Tag: author

Wednesday Story Day – AKA – Hump Day

~ John W. Howell ~ 47 Comments
Twiggy
“Twiggy. Where are you?”
“Mmmmm. Waiting for Friday.”
“On the couch?”
“Where else?”

 

It is Wednesday Story Day again, and last week, we were glad to see Larry had stopped the thugs trying to kill Andrew and him. Since he had to use lethal force, Larry was very concerned about how the local police would react to the shooting in their jurisdiction. Larry took some time to brief Andrew and to caution him to tell the truth. Larry did get hit, and Andrew gets him to lay down. We could hear the sirens in the distance. We better get back as there seem to be three patrol cars arriving on the scene.

“They are here, Andrew. Remember no lies.”

“Got it.”

“So what ‘s going on here.”

“Hi, officer. My name is Larry Dunfee, and we work for the Boston police department.”

“The police department, huh? What role do you play there?”

“I’m a detective in the homicide division, and Andrew here is my associate.”

“Got any ID?”

“Yeah, it’s under my gun on the hood over there.”

“Okay, I have it. And yours if you would be so kind, Mr. uh.”

“Cummings. Andrew Cummings. Here is mine as well.”

“Thank you, Mr. Cummings. I see you are a doctor.”

“That’s right. A forensic pathologist.”

“So, you’re a ME.”

“Used to be. I retired.”

“I see. And Mr. Dunfee. You are active duty with the Boston PD?”

“Yes, I am.”

“Mind telling me what you are doing in Reno besides shooting people I mean.”

“I didn’t get your name, Officer.”

“Oh, excuse me. Sergeant Thomas sir.”

“Well, Sergeant Thomas, Andrew and I are following a homicide case. One of the persons of interest spent some time in South Lake Tahoe, and we were headed there.”

“I can see you are going to need medical attention, Mr. Dunfee. We have called for an ambulance.  Before you leave though I wonder if you could tell me the circumstances around how those two guys in the turned over SUV came to be shot.”

“The short story is while on the freeway, those guys pulled up alongside and started shooting. I got hit. We pulled off and slid down the berm to the access road.”

“That was no small feat. Go on.”

“We were here when that SUV came at us. I felt that we were in fear for our lives, so I opened up on them.”

“Yessir. I would say you are a pretty good shot. You use the Glock on the hood?”

“Yes, I did.”

“You armed Mr. Cummings?”

“No. No, I’m not.”

“Here are your ID’s gentlemen. I see the ambulance is here. I have one more question before you go.”

“Yes, but before you ask. I need to tell Andrew to follow in the car.”

“Okay, Larry. I’ll do that.”

“Also, Mr. Cummings, please do not leave the area without letting us know.”

“Why’s that officer?”

“This is an active investigation, and you are a material witness.”

“Oh, I understand.”

“You had one more question officer.”

“For right now. I’ll be talking to you again in the hospital.”

“What’s the question?”

“What makes you think the occupants of that particular SUV were trying to kill you?”

“It looked like the same one that started shooting. It was coming straight for us.”

“They didn’t shoot as they were coming?”

“No. I felt they were going to though.”

“You felt?”

“Look, officer. Those thugs for reasons unknown were trying to kill us. Did you see the semi-automatics in the vehicle?”

“Not personally, no.”

“Well go look then.”

“The other officers have the scene secured. I don’t have to see them.”

“At least talk to them. I don’t like your line of questions.”

“It’s my job, Mr. Dunfee. I cannot make assumptions. I’m just collecting information. The investigating team will draw any conclusions.”

“Don’t take this the wrong way. I would like you to verify that the weapons are there. I need to have someone as a witness to that fact.”

“Very well, Mr. Dunfee. I’ll call them. One Tango ten to twelve.”

“Twelve here. Go ahead.”

“You guys see any semi-automatic weapons in the SUV.”

“Yeah, there are two. Along with enough ammo to start a war.”

“Thanks, ten out. Okay, Mr. Dunfee. You satisfied that we all know those guys were carrying?”

“Yes, Sergeant Thomas.”

“Here are the medics. Have a good trip. One of our team will be talking to you at the hospital. Like Mr. Cummings, I would appreciate you not leaving the area without informing us. Here is my card.”

“Thank you for your concern, Sergeant.”

 

 

 

“

Tuesday – Anything Possible – Creative Kue #220 by Keith Channing

~ John W. Howell ~ 50 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 # 220

The Party by John W. Howell © 2019

“Now let me get this straight. The guy comes over and asks what you would like to drink.”

“Yes about an hour ago.”

“You tell him,’ Surprise me.'”

“Yup that’s what I said.”

“He then brings you what?”

“A gin and lemon. It’s right here. I tried it.”

“You didn’t like it?”

“I told him that.”

“What did he do?”

“Went off and came back with a glass of white wine.”

“You haven’t touched it.”

“I know. I don’t like Chablis.”

“How do you know it’s Chablis?”

“He told me when he plopped it on the table.”

“So you said what?”

“I don’t like Chablis.”

“What did he do?”

“Came back with that beer over there.”

“What’s wrong with it?”

“A pale ale. Too bitter.”

“Why didn’t you just tell him to bring you something you like.”

“I did. I said, ‘Get me a draft.'”

“And?”

“He did. That’s what I’m drinking.”

“So are you enjoying your party?”

“Oh, I don’t know. Seems like a hassle so far.”

“I can imagine given the struggle over a drink. What are you going to eat for dinner?”

“Humm. Surprise me.”

 

Top Ten Things Not to Do at The First Mention of Scotch Whisky in 1495

~ John W. Howell ~ 55 Comments

 

John Cor’s Scotch Whiskey

The anniversary of the first written record of Scotch Whisky appears in Exchequer Rolls of Scotland in 1495. It is recorded that Friar John Cor is the distiller. What is not recorded is how the folks at the time reacted to this new development. Just in case time travel becomes a reality here is a list of Things Not to Do as you visit this new development. It is hoped it will keep you out of trouble or more importantly causing a tear in the time continuum that might preclude the development of this beneficial elixir. (gasp) So if you are going, take this list and be careful. You will have the benefit of all humankind in your hands.

10  If you witness the mention of Scotch whiskey in 1495, do not ask for your portion on the rocks. If you do, at best no one will understand you. At worst, your host will think you odd but will add some stones to your chalice. (Ignoring the fact that you don’t know where these rocks have been, Hid you need to smile and drink your portion. Yeah, overlook those little floating bits at the top.)

9  If you witness the mention of Scotch whiskey in 1495, do not forget to tip Tiny the WWF champ who is an usher at Lindores Abbey in Fife. If you do, at best Tiny will make sure you miss the tasting by ten minutes. At worst, Tiny who just finished losing his jousting match will view your oversight as a vote for his opponent. (Now you have gone and done it, Hilton. Tiny is still trying to recover his self-esteem, and that piece of silver would have gone a long way. Might as well relax during the spinning body drop. It only hurts for a little while.)

8 If you witness the mention of Scotch whiskey in 1495, do not be confused by the description ‘aqua vitae VIII bolls of malt.’ and ask out loud ‘where’s the Scotch whiskey?’ If you do, at best everyone will be confused. At worst, the guards will be ordered to take you to the tower for a few questions like, ‘How long have you practiced witchcraft?’ (Might be best to tell the guards you have the flu and were out of your head with fever, Hiram. That rack looks like it might be painful.)

7 If you witness the mention of Scotch whiskey in 1495, do not attempt to get on your horse to ride back to the inn after you’ve sampled a few flagons of Brother John Cor’s invention. If you do, at best you’ll realize it is not the thing to do. At worst, you and your horse will eventually be pulled over by James IV’s guards and booked into the dungeon. ( Apparently, there is a law against riding under the influence (RUI), Holland. Now you are going to have a permanent record on file.)

6 If you witness the mention of Scotch whiskey in 1495, do not ask for chips and salsa to go with your portion. If you do, at best you’ll get a joint of mutton. At worst, the king’s chef will demand to know how to make this chips and salsa thingy you requested. (Looks like this guy is a relative of Tiny the way he keeps swinging that butcher knife around, Holman. You know how to make it right? If not, you know how to run, don’t you?)

5 If you witness the mention of Scotch whiskey in 1495, do not volunteer when Brother John Cor talks about a smoke. If you do, at best you’ll have helpers to fetch the peet. At worst, everyone else knows John Cor is not talking about a doobie but needs more peet to fire up his malting operation. (That peet operation is dirty and sweaty, Homayoun. You gotta dig bricks of it and carry it five miles to the abbey. You want to avoid this if at all possible. Of course, now it is too late. Better hit the time machine and disappear.)

4 If you witness the mention of Scotch whiskey in 1495, do not ask for a jug to go. If you do, at best John Cor will think you are joking. At worst, he will try to find something to house the scotch. (Sadly all he can find is an earthen pot that was used to feed the dog, Honon. Your first sip at home will let you know that the dog’s primary food source was whatever the humans didn’t want. Your scotch now has the essence of hog entrail with a finish of fish head.)

3 If you witness the mention of Scotch whiskey in 1495, do not suggest putting the whiskey aside for twelve years. If you do, at best all the king’s men will laugh you off the island. At worst, John Cor will. take your suggestion, and there will be no scotch before it’s time. (Your only worry now, Hormheb is how to avoid ten thousand archers, lancers, swordsmen, catapult operators, and knights for the next twelve years. Yeah, I didn’t think you wanted to try. Hit the way back machine.)

2 If you witness the mention of Scotch whiskey in 1495, do not try to explain soda to John Cor. If you do, at best he will be confused. At worst, he will be offended that you think his product needs enhancement. (You can stop singing the song ‘Scotch and soda, mud in your eye, baby do I feel high, oh, me oh, my,’ Hosea. John is still not going to unlock that dungeon door.)

1 If you witness the mention of Scotch whiskey in 1495, do not put on a tartan kilt without knowing its history, If you do, at best no one in the abbey is at war with the clan represented by what you are wearing. At worst, you picked the tartan of the most aggressive clan on the island. (You have two choices, Houman. Either pick up that broad sword and start defending yourself or drop the kilt and try to convince those advancing Scots that you were just joking. Maybe the fact that you don’t wear underwear under a kilt will underscore your claim of a joke.)

Views of the Neighborhood – The Sailmaster Waterfall

~ John W. Howell ~ 62 Comments

We are glad you can join us today. We are going to return to the Hurst Creek/Hamilton Greenbelt again. We are walking to the Sailmaster Waterfall which I have never seen. Have water? Okay let’s go

Views of the Neighborhood

Here is the entrance.

The wildflowers in June along the way are spectacular.

This a restful little waterfall where I could imagine taking a break and enjoying the sound of the babble of the creek as it cascades over the rocks.

There’s a signpost up ahead. Welcome to the Sailmaster Waterfall zone.

Hurst Creek runs slowly to meet a spillway. These waterlilies had tons of closed yellow blossems waiting for the sun.

You can see the spillway at the right in the background. The waterlilies were to the right of the spillway.

One section of the falls

The same section from a tree framed viewpoint

The Producer took this shot of the falls from a lower viewpoint.

The same viewpoint only closer.

On the way back, we came across a doe.

And two mallard ducks not stopping their grooming.

I hope you enjoyed the View today. Have a great week.

Stream of Consciousness Saturday – Prompt – “Silent/Silence.”

~ John W. Howell ~ 39 Comments

Stream of Consciousness

 

It is Stream of Consciousness Saturday time again and this week’s prompt is “silent/silence. Let’s let Linda Hill explain. “Your Friday prompt for Stream of Consciousness Saturday is “silent/silence.” Use one or both in your post. Have fun!”

Ah yes, the old order to have fun. If you would like to have fun with a prompt visit, Linda’s blog and read how easy it is. Here is the link.

The Friday Reminder and Prompt for #SoCS June 1/19

Silent/Silence by John W. Howell © 2019

“Hello, darkness my old friend.”

“Now what?”

“I’ve come to talk to you again.”

“Stop. Your singing reminds me of fingernails on a blackboard.”

“Because a vision softly creeping.”

“You invited me over. Stop, or I’m leaving.”

“Left its seeds while I was sleeping
And the vision that was planted in my brain
Still remains
Within the sound of silence. Okay, I’m done.”

“What’s up with the Song of Silence?”

“Well you know today is Stream of Consciousness Saturday.”

“Yes. Isn’t every Saturday the same.”

“Yes. This week I thought I would do something different.”

“Oh, like the rest of your crowd won’t think about this song.”

“Yeah, I think they will.”

“So what’s so different?”

“I sang the first stanza.”

“Yeah, so.”

“Now I have let loose and earworm that will take over the population.”

“You are nuts. You know that?”

“Tell me you don’t hear that song.”

“Okay I do, but it won’t last long.”

“In restless dreams, I walked alone.”

“Ouch.”

“Narrow streets of cobblestone.”

“I get it. Stop.”

“‘Neath the halo of a street lamp
I turned my collar to the cold and damp
When my eyes were stabbed by the flash of a neon light
That split the night
And touched the sound of silence.”
“Let me try. And in the naked light, I saw
Ten thousand people, maybe more.”
“Gotcha.”
“People talking without speaking
People hearing without listening
People writing songs that voices never share
And no one dared
Disturb the sound of silence. Help me.”
“Naw. You are doomed. See you next week. Good luck getting rid of that one.”

 

Friday JohnKu – AKA – TGIF

~ John W. Howell ~ 50 Comments
“You know, Lucy it is Friday, and there is a whole world out there.”
“Full of mud, Little One. Full of mud.”

 

Another week has gone by, and Friday is here already. Seems too quick sometimes.

We are feeling that the end of the line regarding getting the house settled is in sight. The Producer is at the accessory stage of selection. The necessary items have all arrived. We had an outdoor chair that needed a part replaced, but that is pretty much it. The last thing for my office is on its way, so maybe next week I can give you a look.

Landscaping is still in the design phase. The rain brings mud, and we are getting anxious. As they say, “All things come to he who waits.”

Today’s JohnKu talks about getting back to the WIP. It is a message meant for me alone.  I hope you all have a great weekend.

Back to Work by John W. Howell © 2019

Diversions aside,

No more excuses at hand. . .

Get back to writing.

Thursday – A Little Personal -Twiggy Has a Complaint

~ John W. Howell ~ 72 Comments

Lucy and Twiggy

“Hey, Lucy come here.”

“What’s the problem, Little Potato?”

“Someone put a thingy over my window.”

“So you can’t see out?”

“Yeah. It looks like the window’s been frosted.”

“I think it might be to save the baby deer from your barking.”

“You’re kidding right?”

“No. I heard The Boss talking to Mom. Looks like your ferocity upset the fawn.”

“Geez, Lucy. All I want to do is warn everyone of the dangers of a wild, crazed fawn.”

“I know, Little One, but others don’t see it like you and I.”

“Can I see it from the back yard?”

“I don’t think so.”

“Come on, Lucy. Let’s go see.”

“Okay. But I think you’ll be disappointed.”

“Hurry.”

“Coming, Little One.”

“I’ve looked everywhere.”

“You have to wonder why the fence is not see through, don’t you?”

“You are saying the privacy fence is to keep me from scaring the deer.”

“I’m not saying that. I’ll bet the folks are thinking it though.”

“Man what good is a watch dog if they can’t see the stuff to watch.”

“Last I heard you are a bulldog not a watchdog.”

“Don’t confuse me with facts.”

“Right.”

Wednesday Story Day – AKA – Hump Day

~ John W. Howell ~ 51 Comments
“Think we ought to get up and bark or something?”
“It’s Wednesday, Little One. Ask me again on Friday.”

 

It is Wednesday Story Day again, and last week an SUV was barreling down on Larry and Andrew who just slid down a hill to the freeway access road. We were there when Larry yelled at Andrew to take cover in a ditch. He then opened the door of the car and used it to steady his aim. We left when Larry fired six rounds from his 9mm Glock 17 at the SUV. We better get back to see how effective Larry’s Last Stand was in stopping the vehicle.

“Holy shit, Larry.”
“Not sure about the holy part. Looks like these guys won’t be coming after us for a while.”
“I didn’t see the whole thing. Did I hear right? Did that big ole SUV flip a couple of times before ending up on its side?”
“Yeah. Lucky for me too. Had it kept coming, I would be part of it now. Stay back, Andrew. Those two guys look like they have had it, but you never know.”
“How many shots did you take.”
“Not sure, Andrew. I don’t count. I know I hit both the driver and the passenger before the thing went over.”
“Did you shoot at the tires and give them a blowout?”
“Not enough time. Besides the way tires are built today, they have some blowout protection. They probably would have run me over before going flat.”
“You going to check them?”
“Yeah. Just trying to get my legs back and make sure there is no fire.”
“Looks pretty quiet except for the steam coming from the front.”
“I must have hit the radiator too. Well, here goes nothing. Stay here. You have your cell?”
“Yes.”
“Give 911 a call. Tell them it’s not an emergency, but we don’t have the local police number. Tell them we are from police from Boston and have a weapon. We believe there are two gun-shot fatalities.”
“Okay. Be careful.”
“Yeah. I’ll talk my way over there. Okay, Larry take an angle of approach that will keep the car between you and the perps. If you can’t see them, they can’t see you. That’s right. Now you are at the back of the vehicle you need to go forward to the front. The driver’s side is up. The two of them should be in a heap in the passenger’s side. Wait I see an arm out the window. Okay, be still my heart. It looks like the driver has his seatbelt on. Makes sense he would still be in the seat. The question, is he alive? Okay, weapon up and ready.  Approach the danger with caution. Shit, I didn’t check the magazine. There should be enough bullets left since I don’t believe I fired that many. Well, no time to check now. Keep going. No sign of movement. Look in the driver’s window. Yikes. What a mess. Must have hit both with the first shots. A couple of automatic weapons in there too. Not going to touch anything. Gotta sit down. No, go back to Andrew and wait for the first responders. The word fatalities will bring them out in droves. Better put my weapon on the hood of the car too. No way do I want to be shot holding my piece.”
“Those guys done for?”
“Yup they both are gone.”
“You sure?”
“Go look if you don’t believe me.”
“No that’s okay, I’ll take your word. What are you doing?”
“I’m putting my gun and ID on the hood of the car.”
“Why?”
“Those guys are going to be coming in hot, and I don’t want them to think I might be worth a couple of shots.”
“Oh. The dispatcher was very nice. She said she understood the situation and would send help.”
“You told her we were cops?”
“Yeah. Told her those guys were trying to kill us.”
“Good thing those guys has some automatic rifles with them.”
“What do you mean?”
“Well, normally one asks questions first and then start shooting. I started shooting first and was relieved to see those guns.”
“I never thought of that. They definitely were out to get us.”
“We know that, but let’s just say we are alive because we did not follow protocol. Since you were down in that ditch leave the description of the event to me.”
“Yeah of course. You seem worried.”
“The cop in me is asking the question, ‘What makes you think the occupants of that SUV were trying to kill you?’ That would be a logical question when trying to determine if lethal force was appropriate.”
“You saw their weapons on the road. You said so.”
“Did you see them?”
“The guys? Yes, I remember saying how ugly they were. I don’t remember weapons. No, I was too busy being scared. Besides, I was on the other side of the car.”
“So now you see why I’m glad there are weapons in that SUV. It would only have been my word. I could have imagined the whole thing and killed a couple of delivery men.”
“But you didn’t.”
“Yeah. I know. I made the right choice to save you and I. Protocol would have me wait until they fired first.”
“Sounds stupid to me.”
“in hindsight to me as well. Just let me do the talking.”
“I’ll say I saw the weapons.”
“No lies. Please. Listen, I hear sirens. You have any water? I sure could use some.”
“You better sit down, Larry. You aren’t looking so good.”
“Yeah, I feel a little dizzy.”
“Here lay down. Put your feet up on the running board. You are in shock again. The excitement is over, and your body is telling you to cool it.”
“Yes, this is better. Water?”
“Here you go, Duke.”
“Duke?”
“My hero.”
“Stop.”

 

 

Tuesday – Anything Possible – Kreative Kue # 219 by Keith Channing

~ John W. Howell ~ 47 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 #219

 

The Flight by John W. Howell © 2019

“Well sir, just sit back and relax. We’ll be airborne in a few minutes.”

“I’m not sure about this.”

“Now, sir. You are as safe with me as if you are in your favorite chair in your living room.”

“That’s what I’m worried about. This is like a chair. You sure this thing can fly?”

“It is called a lightweight, sir. It flys like a bird.”

“But can it lift the two if us?”

“I have made hundreds of flights. Trust me, it can lift the two of us. In addition, we will have some friends join us.”

“On this thing. Now you are kidding me, right?”

“Not on this vehicle. Behind us.”

“Behind us?”

“Yes, we will be leading a flock of geese.”

“Geese? Aren’t a bunch of them called a gaggle.”

“Gaggle, flock. No matter. They will follow us for some exercise.”

“Why don’t they go on their own?”

“They think our ship is their mother.”

“Come again?”

“When they hatched, they saw my lightweight first. You know the old imprinting birds do. Well, the eggs were in a nest next to my plane, and the rest is history.”

“Is that them walking around.”

“Yup. You ready now?”

“I guess so.”

“Remember to lift up as we gain speed.”

“You’re kidding?”

“A little lightweight humor.”

“I’m not laughing.”

“Here we go. oops.”

“Oops? What’s oops?”

“Forgot the goose call.”

“Isn’t is like a honk.”

“No, I mean the device.”

“A problem?”

“Not really. You can make a goose sound, can’t you?”

“No. I have no idea how.”

“It’s okay. More lightweight humor.”

“Still not laughing. I see they are following us.”

“Yup.”