I was supposed to do a feature, on an embroidery exhibit at the local library. I must have had the date wrong since there was nothing there. So here it is mear minutes from a deadline, and I got nothing. It was then I started looking around and noticed some interesting (to me) plants. So here we are. I hope you find them interesting. If not, well, let’s hope next week is better.
I thought these agaves were lovely. These are at the entrance of a section named The Hills in Lakeway.
A different kind of agave with a backdrop of grasses and live oaks
This sign has a waterfall, some peacock orchids against a backdrop of live oaks and junipers.
Here is a shot of some typical live oaks.
On one corner are some beautiful artichoke agaves
Here is a full shot of the bed including a potted artichoke agave.
Here is the opposite corner with the same kind of agave display.
I thought this footbridge across the culvert was cute. This is a shot of Lakeway Boulevard looking North.
Here is Lakeway Boulevard looking South. I thought this stand of grass combined with the stark deciduous trees was a good photo op.
The tree in the grass is marked as are all the trees in Lakeway. In this way, records of trimming and health can be maintained.
I thought this live oak had personality given the twists and turns of its branches.
No pictures of plants in the neighborhood would be complete without a giant prickly pear cactus. So here it is.
I hope you weren’t bored out of your mind. Of course, if you were, you would not have gotten this far. So there is that for sure.
It is Stream of Consciousness time again, and this week’s prompt is going to take some explaining. Let me ask Linda Hill to tell us what is needed. In her words. “Your prompt for #JusJoJan and Stream of Consciousness Saturday is: “the first 3 words of the first full sentence.” Okay, follow me here. This is what I want you to do: 1. Grab the closest book to you when you sit down to write your post. 2. Open it to a random page. 3. Locate the first complete sentence on that page. 4. Use the first three words of that sentence to start your post, then take it from there–write whatever comes to mind. That’s it! Have fun!”
If you would like to have the same kind of fun, go to Linda’s blog and read how easy it is. Here is the link.
“Uh, Lucy. It’s Friday.” “I know Little One, but it’s raining out there.” “We could ruckus inside.” *Sigh*
Friday has rolled in and not too soon. This week has to be one of getting things cleaned up, so to speak.
My WIP is now in the hands of beta readers. Thank you, everyone. The comments are due back on February 16th. The feedback will be interesting, I’m sure.
I have contacted the cover artist, and we are in the process of developing the basis for the cover. Since this book has multiple locations and time frames, it makes it challenging to decide a representative and compelling cover. The only constant is a 1956 Oldsmobile, which the protagonists use to move from place to place. Maybe there is a way to work that in.
I have submitted the copyright to the Feds. That’s about a six-month wait.
Time to start setting up the launch.
This week’s JohnKu is about fear, which is plentiful these days. I hope you have a great weekend.
As most of you know I’m a member of Rave Reviews Book Club and today a number of the members are posting a get acquainted message on their blog. In support of the club, I’d like to invite you to visit the ALL-NEWRAVE REVIEWS BOOK CLUB at the new location RaveReviewsBookClub.wordpress.com.
There are good reasons to consider becoming a member. Come visit and see how the club can benefit you.
If you are an author looking for amazing support, #RRBC is the place for you.
If you are looking to grow as a writer, #RRBC is the place for you.
If you are looking for a community where your peers push for your success just as hard as they push for their own, #RRBC is the place for you.
When visiting, we ask that you #follow our site so that you’re kept up-to-date with all the awesome news that we’ll be sharing in 2020.
If you like what you see after looking around the site, then please, JOIN US We’d love to have you.
“Now what are you looking for, Twiggy?” “Friday. It’s gotta be here somewhere.” “It’s Wednesday Little One. Have patience.”
It is Wednesday Storytime again, and last week we were in Jerry’s apartment, where we learned that Wentworth did not place a call to Jerry. On top of that, Jerry has a smartphone, so Wentworth’s claim that he removed the battery was false. Andrew said he smelled a trap just as the elevator stopped outside Jerry’s apartment. “Get down everyone,” was the last thing we heard Larry yell. We better get back there to see what kind of mayhem is in store. Although you can’t be hurt by flying fictional bullets, I would still be cautious.
“Hey, Jerry.”
“Yes, Larry.”
“Does your door lock when you close it?”
“Yes, sir. I always throw the deadbolt as well.”
“Did you do that after letting us inside?”
“It seems I would have, but I can’t remember.”
“What position is the deadbolt when thrown?”
“Parallel to the floor.”
“Okay, I can see that’s the position of the bolt. At least whoever is getting off that elevator won’t just walk in here. Okay, everyone quiet, I hear something in the hall.”
“They are ringing my bell.”
“Go ahead and ask what they want.”
“What do you want?”
“I have a special delivery for a Mr. Jerry Foster.”
“Leave it on the doormat.”
“I’m sorry, sir, but you have to sign for it.”
“What do I do, Larry?”
“Stay on the floor. I’m going to have a peek through your peephole in the door.”
“What do you see, Larry?”
“Nothing Andrew. I think there is black tape on it. Let’s all move to the back bedroom. Stay on the floor. Hands and knees, folks.”
“Holy shit.”
“You said a mouthful, Andrew. Those guys are shooting through the door, and I was just there.”
“What can we do?”
“Stay low. I’m going to pick them off one by one when they enter. I have a clean shot at the door. Hold on, they stopped firing. I’ll bet they’ll try to come in now.”
“What do they want?”
“I would say they want to kill us all, Jerry.”
“Why?”
“Andrew and I were hoping you could tell us that. That’s why we are here.”
“It’s very quiet, Larry.”
“To quote an old war movie, Andrew, ‘Almost too quiet.’”
“I’ll bet next you’re going to say. ‘Nice serving with you Andrew.”’
“Shut up, Andrew. I think they are trying to open the door.”
“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.”
“I’m telling you, Pradeep. I’m sitting on a bench listening to the whole thing.”
“Can you talk?”
“They are right behind me. Maybe I should take you off speaker.”
“Good idea.”
“Okay, you are off. Like I said, you won’t believe it.”
“So you are at the Taj. Tell me again what the two said.”
“The guy came up to the meadow stairs with this girl. They were holding hands. He said to her, ‘Are you ready for your surprise.”‘
“Yeah, then what?”
“Here’s the funny part. He told her that he had bought the taj as a surprise.”
“Oh, Man. Who would believe that?”
“Not you and I, but she is still jumping up and down with delight.”
“How dumb can some of these people be. How old is she?”
“I’d say over twenty-one.”
“So, she should know better.”
“I think she looks like she went to university.”
“All the more reason. I hope the guy is happy with one not too bright.”
“Hold on, Pradeep. The couple is coming over here.”
“Excuse us, sir. I see you have a phone.”
“Yes, yes, I do.”
“Would you mind taking our photo and then sending it to my fiancee’s e-mail?”
“I would be happy to do that. Pradeep hold on a little more. This is getting better and better. Alright, you two. I have the Taj behind you, and you look delighted. There. Now, where should I send it?”
“Send it to hrh.palace.saudiaarabia.gov.sa.”
“Okay, miss it is sent.”
“Thank you so much. We won’t forget this. Goodbye.”
“Pradeep? Pradeep, you still there?”
“You would fall into a dung heap and come out smelling like saffron, you know that?”
On January 8th, 1815 A rag-tag army under Andrew Jackson defeats the British on the fields of Chalmette in the Battle of New Orleans. Since this piece of history is fascinating you may want to go and observe. If you do, take this list with you and maybe you can avoid and trouble time travel-wise.
10 If you go, do not ask anyone if they have heard the song, Battle of New Orleans by Johnny Horton. If you do, at best no one can understand you. At worst, someone will ask you to sing it. (When you get to the part about using a gator as a cannon, Jackie you might want to explain you were just kidding.)
9 If you go, do not ignore a command from Tiny the WWF champ to help build an earthen barrier that will be used to protect the Americans from the British. If you do, at best Tiny will become preoccupied with something shiny. At worst, since Tiny has missed his last four anger management sessions he forgot about snapping the band around his wrist. ( He is now snapping your bones, Jacobe. Don’t worry usually two snaps of the band calms him down. You might want to yell, “wrist band.” If couldn’t hurt.)
8 If you go, do not wear your favorite red sweater. If you do, at best all the sharpshooters know a sweater when they see one. At worst, your sweater will be mistaken for a British uniform. (The outcome of this is not good, Jacobus. There are no less than 2500 angry shooters from Kentucky anxious for practice. I think I would take it off. DUH.)
7 If you go, do not turn your nose up at spicy cajun food. If you do, at best you can find something else to eat. At worst, you will be left on your own for food. (There is no organic store here, Jacorey. Just suck it up and eat the beans and rice. Besides, the spice will keep down dysentery.)
6 If you go, do not expect a Kentucky militiaman to loan you a rifle. If you do, at best you might be able to borrow a knife. At worst, since many of the militiamen did not bring there own weapons, there is a short supply. (You just might have to fill a gator’s mouth with cannonballs and powder his behind, Jacque. In fact, Andrew Jackson said, “I don’t understand these guys not bringing their guns. I have never seen a Kentuckian without a gun, a pack of cards, and a bottle of whiskey in my life.”)
5 If you go, do not try to convince everyone that the Treaty of Ghent, which was signed by the British and Americans on December 24, 1814, made the battle unnecessary. If you do, at best you’ll be ignored. At worst, General Jackson will order you to go tell the British to stop advancing on New Orleans. (You are in a fine kettle of fish, Jacques. Unknown to you the British forces have orders to attack in spite of the treaty being signed. So how’s it feel to be in the middle. Yes, those are bullets from both sides.)
4 If you go, do not ask Jean Laffite how his British friends are doing. If you do, at best, Jean will think you are joking. At worst, since he is double-crossing the British, he may take offense. (Jean agreed to help the British and is now helping the Americans, Jacy. So he is not very happy with you for pointing out his relationship with the British. When Jean says to walk the plank, he is not talking about the deck of the ship. Good luck, treading water.)
3 If you go, do not tell the British where their misplaced ladders are located. If you do, at best, it won’t help them. At worst, they will be able to scale the rampart Jackson built to keep the British out of New Orleans. (Old hickory is sure mad at you, Jadon. He had the 1500 yard rampart built to repel the British who lost the ladders needed to do it. I would tell the British you were kidding and don’t know where the ladders are being kept before you alter the outcome of the battle or Jackson has you shot.).
2 If you go, do not question the decision to put New Orleans under martial law. If you do, at best, Jackson won’t hear about it. At worst, General Jackson will personally let you know to mind your own business. (Andrew Jackson felt strongly that without martial law, the city could not be controlled. Yes, your writ of Habeas Corpus has been suspended, Jae. Good luck in solitary on bread and water.)
1 If you go, do not ask for a glass of bourbon on bourbon street. If you do, at best you’ll get some funny looks. At worst, those you ask will know you are not from around here. (French engineer Adrien de Pauger laid out the streets of New Orleans in 1721 and chose one to carry the name of the French royal family ruling at the time, Rue Bourbon, Jafar. It is not named for the drink which wasn’t called Bourbon until the 1850s.)
Yes, it is another walk on one of the trails here in Lakeway. The map gives you an idea of extensive the trails are. We are only going to take one today.
Notice the distinct desert feel to the geography. There are a couple of Peacock orchid plants and a few grasses in this bed.
There’s a signpost up ahead. Friends of the park have several projects around Lakeway.
Here is one view of the trail, which is not very colorful. The cedars are the predominant vegetation with limestone as the base component of the soil.
Another view showing some prickly pear cactus on the right.
Big power lines that run next to the trail.
The everpresent rescue marker so one knows where they are and can tell emergency responders their location.
More cactus. About the only thing green other than the cedars.
Rocky and steep trail.
Rocky and very steep trail.
The MUD water retention pond. (Municipal Utility District)
I just had to take a shot of a water tower that looms over the trail. All in all, the path was not like others. There is little variety, and it is very rustic and more desert-like. Maybe the next time we will go to an area that has a pond which was a little too far for a trip today. Besides, the cedar pollen is at an all-time high, and as an asthma sufferer, I need to get out of here stat.
It is Stream of Consciousness time again and this week’s prompt is “ow.” Lrt’s let Linda explain. “Your prompt for #JusJoJan and Stream of Consciousness Saturday is: “ow.” Find a word that contains “ow” or use it as a word in your post. Have fun!”
There’s that “have fun” thing again. If you would like to have fun visit Linda’s blog and read how. Here is the link.
