Friday JohnKu – AKA – TGIF

November 13, 2020November 12, 2020 ~ John W. Howell ~ 77 Comments

“Yes Lucy it’s Friday and I’m taking the day off.”
“Okay, Little One. You relax I’ll get the kibble.”
“What kibble?”

It is Friday, which is known as Saturday Eve around here. Well, we have heard that the Rona Virus Vaccine is 90% effective in third stage trials. That is pretty good news. I noticed Ticketmaster has decided to start setting up procedures for concerts once the vaccine is released. I think it will be good to get these pesky teens away from books and back to the music scene. (Spoiler alert: That was a joke)

The lull between inauguration and voting day is a blessed piece of peace so far. I can’t tell you how much nicer it is without having to listen to the right and left sprew hate at each other. Of course, the pundits some blogs, and Twitter trending posts are still full of it, but they are easy to avoid.

I, for one, am glad some of the shows I enjoy are back. I can only watch HGTV for so long. (Well, dummy, it has been almost nine months, so you have at least that much stamina.) I have to explain. I only watch 45 minutes of entertainment a day. I prerecord everything and then playback. An hour network show takes 45 minutes to play. Then I watch the news for twenty. I guess I shouldn’t exclude news from the entertainment category, but I’m really after the weather because our local news follows the same pattern. 1. Hit and run, assault, or murder (If it bleeds, it leads) 2. Local school district and/or teacher angst. 3. Rona virus update (With no context) 4. Weather highlight. 5. Report from Washington (usually an insult to average intelligence) or Austin city report, which usually will include an update on those experiencing homelessness along with the mayor or city council members explaining why nothing can be done about whatever the issue happens to be. 6. The full weather report including the five day forecast. 7. TV off.

So you can see the time is precious and I want pure entertainment. There are ten shows recorded regularly, and I can only watch seven in a week. My viewing then usually lasts until well into summer.

Today’s JohnKu talks about rest for the mind. I hope you. all have a great weekend.

The body needs it,

So rest is all important . . .

Don’t forget the mind.

Thursday – A Little Personal – Twiggy and Lucy Help Out

November 12, 2020November 11, 2020 ~ John W. Howell ~ 107 Comments

Twiggy and Lucy

“So Lucy, you think we can help Dad with these leaves?”

“Yeah, what’s so hard? After all, the old boy is not getting any younger.”

“I don’t know. We don’t have any equipment.”

“Well, I think we just have to do what we do best.”

“Okay, I’m looking for the squirrel.”

“No, I meant to use our paws. We are good at that. We can get these leaves into a pile.”

“The minute I turn my back, you hit the sunbath. Why are you laying down?”

“What? I can’t hear you from here.”

“I think after all its work, it’s time for a lounge.”

“What? I can’t hear you from here.”

“Yes, indeed. Shade, lounge. If only that cabana guy would come around.”

“I heard the word cabana. I’ll be right there.”

“This could use a little fluffing. Ah, just right.”

“I’m almost there. Got drinks?”

“No, I don’t have drinks. You know how wretched the help is at this place.”

“Whew. That is a long walk. I could use some shade.”

“Take my lounge. I’m going to meditate with my hot rock friends.”

“Better be careful. I’m not sure if your butt is one of the seven chakras.”

“Do you even know what a chakra is?”

“Don’t make me laugh. Of course, I know. They are points of energy.”

“Time of meditation is over. Time to go back to the issue of the leaves.”

“We do not have an opposable thumb. That’s our out. No one would expect us to actually do work.”

“I can say sitting in the sun is a lot better than raking leaves. What about Dad getting older.”

“Yeah, don’t worry about him. One year of his life is like seven of ours. He has the advantage of being a slow cooker. Let’s just say we tried.”

Wednesday Story Day – AKA – Hump day

November 11, 2020November 10, 2020 ~ John W. Howell ~ 54 Comments

“What’s going on.”
“My usual.”
“What’s that?”
“Waiting for Friday.”

It is Wednesday Story Day again, and last week, we learned that Carolyn is in a blue Mercedes headed for the train that will take her and her driver through the Chunnel. We are grateful to the FBI’s techie, who decided to do some extra work in locating her. We also found out Lazar has some knowledge of Sandusky, the Rafferty’s, and Ned Dixon. He is not going to give out any information until he is sure Carolyn is safe. So, as Pricilla so eloquently said, “We need to concentrate on Carolyn.” To that end, I see that Pricilla has left the interrogation room and is on a Zoom call with her counterpart at the FBI. Let’s go there and see what we can learn.”

“So what is the plan agent Winters.”

“Well, Ms. Thomas, since we ID’d the blue Mercedes, it will be a matter of interception once they reach the French side of the Chunnel. I have been assured by my Police Nationale contact that they are already deployed to make the interception.”

“They know that Carolyn is not a criminal?”

“Yes, they have been informed of the circumstances.”

“What is going to happen once they have her.”

“She will be taken to the local headquarters and held until our people can get to her.”

“Where are your people now?”

“Last check-in, they were about 1500 miles from touchdown at Calais–Dunkerque Airport.”

“Is that closest to Coquilles?”

“There is another, but it is only able to land small planes. Our G600 needs 3100 feet of landing space, and Calais–Dunkerque Airport has 5000. Of course, it also needs 5700 feet of takeoff space, but the pilots assure us they can do it in 5000.”

“Sounds dangerous.”

“Not really. These two are the best.”

“Okay, then what happens.”

“Our team takes Carolyn to the plane, and we take off for the US.”

“Sounds pretty straight forward. Any idea who the driver of the Mercedes is?”

“We couldn’t get a good shot of the driver. There is a satellite pass coming up in a few minutes, so maybe we can get a shot.”

“Any way of hacking into the border cameras.”

“Not a bad idea. I’m sure the techie has thought of that. I will ask him, though, and get back to you.”

“I appreciate that. I would like to know who that driver is and how come he can drop everything to drive this girl to Paris.”

“Might be a boyfriend.”

“Yeah, that would make me feel better.”

“What are you thinking?”

“Nah. Just a feeling is all.”

“Okay, if that’s it for this call, I’ll ring up the techie and get back to you.”

“Thanks for all you are doing Winters. Thomas out.”

Tuesday – Anything Possible -Kreative Kue #288 by Keith Channing

November 10, 2020November 9, 2020 ~ John W. Howell ~ 59 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 next 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 Monday.”

The Photo.

Kreative Kue #288

“I would say tear it down, sir, but it is three hundred years old.”

“I mean, everything was fine until yesterday.”

“What happened yesterday?”

“I went about my normal day.”

“How’s that look?”

“Well, let’s see. Got up, took the dog out, had coffee.”

“Sounds like you’ve covered the first hour at best.”

“Well, now just hold on. Ah, yes. While I was walking the dog, I noticed an unusual burn in the field over there.”

“Uh-huh. Go on.”

“I just thought it was weird. A circle burned in the field.”

“How large a circle?”

“That’s not the important part, but I would say twelve feet.”

“That is pretty big.”

“Anyway. I went over to have a look. The burned part smelled like lavender.”

“That’s odd.”

“I thought so too. I turned to leave and was blinded by a light.”

“Don’t tell me. You were then revved up like a deuce, another runner in the night.”

“Teah, very funny. You want to hear this or not?”

“Sorry. Go ahead.”

“Okay, then it felt like I had a boulder on my shoulder.”

“You tripped on a merry go round.”

“Huh?”

“Nothing. Continue.”

“I finally figured out I was being abducted by aliens.”

“Okay, sir. Hold it right there. I came here to give you a bid on the roof. I’m not one to hold to conspiracy theories and stuff like that.”

“This is the truth.”

“I can’t handle the truth.”

“Calm down. As you can see, I’m here. The only thing that happened is we all got into some kind of drink. Then this girl told me she could turn me on to something strong.”

“They played the song with the funky break.”

“How’d you know?”

“It’s a song lyric, sir. Excuse me, I gotta get going.”

“We razed the roof.”

“I’ll say you did. Now I need to get into my curly whirly. Have a nice day, sir.”

“Wait. You haven’t heard the best part.”

“Sorry. My mama always told me not to look in the eyes of the sun. Bye.”

“Too bad he’s gone. He’s going to miss seeing the calliope crash to the ground.”

Top Ten Things Not to Do on Veterans Day

November 9, 2020November 8, 2020 ~ John W. Howell ~ 60 Comments

This week marks the 102nd anniversary of the end of World War One. On the eleventh hour of the eleventh day of the eleventh month of 1918, the hostilities ended with the Armistice Agreement’s signing. Since that time, nations around the world observe the day with remembrance. Until June 1, 1954, November 11th was designated Armistice Day in the US. Armistice Day primarily honored those who participated in WWI. Since WWII and Korea had occurred, legislation was passed to rename Armistice Day Veterans Day, which then became a day to honor American veterans of all wars.

So the Top Ten Things Not to Do on Veterans Day all remain the same.

Do not forget to honor our veterans, both the living and those who are no longer with us. It is they who gave selfishly of themselves so that we may have the freedom we enjoy today.

This week, I honor, Major John Fremole Orlando Howell M.D, Lieutenant John Allen Howell, Lieutenant Thomas Wreesman, Warrant Officer James Sharp, and Gunnery Sergeant Bob Sharp. Each served their country in a time of war.

views of the Neighborhood – Potpourri

November 8, 2020November 7, 2020 ~ John W. Howell ~ 95 Comments

This week’s tour started out being about trees. Then a couple of things came up so it is now a bunch of stuff. We have stocked the bus with an assortment of goodies including crudities, fresh-caught snapper, red potatoes, green beans, and creme brulee. We are also serving called cocktails and drinks so you can order what you want.

Climb aboard the bus. We also have Kid Rock for entertainment. He brought a friend with him

Views of the Neighborhood

The first stop is an oak tree starting to turn red.

Next is the first holiday decoration in the neighborhood and I’m sure in the neighborhood. Santa doing pull-ups on the eve trough.

Hey, I was wrong. A couple of grapevine reindeer.

A large golden crepe myrtle.

Not sure what this tree is but it is old and pretty. (Like me)

A young Crep myrtle in full color.

Another oak just starting to turn.

And so we come upon a hybrid. Thanksgiving, Halloween, and holiday all together.

Hold on. We need to wait for this family to get out of the way.

More crepe myrtles starting their gold imitation.

Turning oak.

Views of the Neighborhood

Oak almost filled out.

Beautiful red berries.

Well, that does it for today. Stay and have some more food and listen to the music.

Steam of Consciousness Saturday – Prompt – “Jour”

November 7, 2020November 6, 2020 ~ John W. Howell ~ 46 Comments

Bonjour. It is Stream of Consciousness Saturday time again, and here is Linda Hill with this week’s prompt.

“Hi, Linda.”

“Hello, John. Your Friday prompt for Stream of Consciousness Saturday is “jour.” Find a word containing “jour” or use it as is. Bonus points if you start or end your post with that word. Enjoy!”

Thank you, Linda. I hope you noticed that I started the post with ‘bonjour.’ Bonus points earned. I can almost smell the calfskin seats in my new Bentley.

Views of the neighborhood

If you would like to join in and have some fun, visit Linda’s blog and read how easy it is. Here is the link.

The Friday Reminder and Prompt for #SoCS Nov. 7/2020

“Journaling, I see.”

“Yep. Trying to capture the thought de jour.”

“Is your journalizing work in French?”

“No. I was just expressing my journey in a flowery way.”

“Let me guess. Your prompt is ‘jour.'”

“Spoken like an investigative journalist.”

“No, journalese. I have known you for a long time.”

“Want to know what I have written in my journal?”

“I imagine it is pure journeyman quality.”

“Whatever that means. I do try my best to journalize as best as I can.”

“Okay, so read me what you have journaled.”

“Ahem. I woke up today and drank my coffee. Then I took a shower.”

“Yu can stop right there.”

“Wait the best part is yet to come.”

“Goodness go ahead.”

“My prompt is jour and John came through the door.”

“Go ahead.”

“That’s it.”

“No observations on life in your journeyworks?”

“What would those be?”

“Something like, ‘I woke up today and had the feeling that this would be the best day of my life.”‘

“I didn’t have that feeling.”

“Fine something else then.”

“How about, ‘I woke up today with a song in my heart.”‘

“There you go.”

“It’s a lie.”

“Try this, ‘I woke up today with the feeling someone was gong to hit me.”‘

“I didn’t do that either.”

“Too bad you are not clairvoyant.”

Friday John Ku – AKA- TGIF

November 6, 2020November 5, 2020 ~ John W. Howell ~ 78 Comments

Lucy and Twiggy — “Hold on Little One. I think it is here somewhere.”
“What is it?”
“Friday.”

Well, it is Friday and a nice milestone in the week’s travails. As I write this, I still don’t know who has won the election at the presidential level. Before I make any comment,let me be clear. Whoever wins should receive the support of our entire country.

I have been appalled by some of the vicious personal attacks written by fellow bloggers. There is one blogger out there who calls those who vote for other than her candidate A-holes. Unfortunately, the followers of that blog provided supporting words for that outrageous statement. Why is it outrageous? Anytime Americans are denigrated for voting for their choice, one more piece of freedom is threatened. Instead of A-hole, what if this person called those choosing the other candidate ‘traitors?’

We need to think about how we handle disagreement in this country. Do we continue to shout it down or listen and respond? Anyone out there who has written a slanderous statement about either candidate or their supporters should be ashamed of themselves. It is now time to knock it off and get back to being a decent society again.

Today’s John Ku talks about the freedom to choose. I hope you all have a great weekend.

My right to choose those,

To represent my interests . . .

Is part of freedom.

Thursday – A Little Personal – Twiggy and Lucy Outside

November 5, 2020November 5, 2020 ~ John W. Howell ~ 79 Comments

Lucy and Twiggy

“I thought I saw the ball out there, Lucy. You see it?”

“It’s not here, Little one.”

“You sure? I could have sworn it was there somewhere.”

“Still don’t see it.”

“What’s that green thing by your butt?”

“OMG. It wasn’t there a few minutes ago.”

“Well, it’s there now. Mmmm, this sun feels good.”

“Yeah, take a break. You have been working too hard today.”

I’ll tell ya. After that cold snap, this feels so nice.”

“This is my kind of living, Little Potato.”

“Of course there is that confounded squirrel, Lucy. Uh, Lucy?”

“I can’t hear you, Little One. I’m on the hunt.”

“What is it?”

“Not sure. It growled like a grizzly but smells like a possum.”

“Well, that was sure anti-climatic.”

“Not every day brings the big game, Little one.”

“How about I wait out here until it comes back. If it ever does.”

“Yeah, you do that. Not sure, but I think I heard a kibble bag rustle. Let me know if you hear something.”

“You always pull that kibble thingy. All right, I’m coming with you.”

Wednesday Story Day – AKA – Hump Day

November 4, 2020November 3, 2020 ~ John W. Howell ~ 47 Comments

“Think we ought to get up?”
“It’s Wednesday. Give me a reason.”
“See you Friday.”

It is Wednesday Story Day time again, and last week, we learned where Carolyn is probably heading when she gets to France. We also learned that probably Cortez’s men won’t know where she is heading but could grab her during the three- and one-half hour drive between the Chunnel exit at Coquilles and Paris where she is headed. An idea came to Pricilla that if Somner could give up her French passport name, Carolyn could be grabbed while on the train to Paris. I see she is coming back into the room. Let’s get over there. Maybe she has a name.

“I have some bad news.”

“Somner, wouldn’t give you the name?”

“It’s worse than that. He died.”

“On no. There goes the last chance to locate my Carolyn.”

“There is a glimmer of hope.”

“What is that?”

“I just got off the phone with the FBI. After I explained the situation, one of their techies took it upon himself to locate the car Carolyn was riding in. He thinks he found it. With some high-resolution photos and facial rec software, he thinks they are in a blue Mercedes.”

“Is he sure?”

“Pretty sure. The important thing is we can have some folks at Coquilles detain the car and make sure. If it is her, then we will take her.”

“What if it isn’t?”

“They can check each car as it leaves. But the techie thinks he is most certain.”

“So, If it took a satellite and high res photos to locate her, what makes you think Cortez will be successful too?”

“He can do the same low-tech check at Coquilles as we will if the person in the blue Mercedes is not Carolyn.”

“So, it is a race to the finish.”

“In a matter of speaking, Mr. Popović.”

“I have a question.”

“Certainly, Mr. Dunfee.”

“Mr. Popović. Does the name Sandusky mean anything to you?”

“Um, yeah, my sister married a guy named Sandusky.”