Four”

June 29, 2019June 28, 2019 ~ John W. Howell ~ 49 Comments

It is Stream of Consciousness Saturday time again. This weeks prompt is “four/fore/four.” Linda Hill advises using one or all three. In her usual way, she also advises to “have fun.” If you would like to join in visit Linda’s blog to read all about how easy it is. Here is the link.

The Friday Reminder and Prompt for #SoCS June 29/19

“Ah, what a gorgeous day.”

“It is a perfect day for being outside.”

“Look at that sky. I’ve never seen a blue like that.”

“I know, right? How about the green of the grass. Just inhale the smells of a beautiful morning.”

“How about it? You want to play today?”

“Well, we are here. Half the battle is showing up. Why not?”

“I have to warn you, I may be only good for four holes.”

“Oh please. You say that every time we come out, and you end up finishing nine.”

“I do look forward to the time when I could do eighteen.”

“Well, at your age, that might be a stretch. I think just taking one hole at a time is the way to go today.”

“Do they still yell “fore” if a ball might come close to you?”

“That is part of the rules, so yes.”

“I sure wouldn’t want to get hit. You know how some of those players are. Bearly give you a chance to start on a hole before firing a ball in your direction.”

“I guess they don’t know how to savor the moment. You ready to get started?”

“I sure am. I feel like a million bucks. Where should we go?”

“I was thinking of a nice sized hole on the first fairway.”

“With a big mound that drives the groundskeeper crazy.”

“That’s right. That guy is a little nuts anyway.”

“Should we burrow there or go overland?”

“Let’s save our strength and hoof it. Best way to make nine holes.”

“Did we mention what a beautiful day it is today?”

“We did.”

Friday JohnKu – AKA – TGIF

June 28, 2019June 27, 2019 ~ John W. Howell ~ 68 Comments

Lucy and Twiggy — “Hey, Lucy. Wake up. It’s Friday. Time to play.”
“You have that pizza toy, don’t you.”
“How’d you know?”
“It crunches. Drives me nuts.”

Friday again for all you full-time workers. For us, slackers, it is another day. Just kidding. I always love to see Friday come along. It is especially lovely when I have spent a good week writing. I gave you a sneak peek at the new WIP last week. I’m delighted that the story is going well and I managed 7444 words for the week. Doesn’t sound like much, but as a reminder, I only do 1000 words a day on my current WIP. This one takes a lot of research time as well, so my 1000 words are taking more time than usual. Couple that with having to go to several medically related appointments I’m pleased to hit the goal.

This week also saw ( as some of you might know from yesterday’s post) the arrival of the sprinkler system installers. I also got word the gutter guys will be here on Wednesday, July 3rd. So, call me stupid, but things seem to be moving forward.

Today’s JohnKu reminds us to keep the faith. Have a great weekend.

If the clouds turn dark,

And you cannot see the light . . .

Remember the match.

Thursday – A Little Personal – Backyard Invasion

June 27, 2019June 26, 2019 ~ John W. Howell ~ 73 Comments

“Hey, Lucy. Get up. There’s a noise in the yard.”

“Probably that squirrel again.”

“No, I’m serious. Get up.”

“Oh, my goodness. This better be good.”

“What’s up, Ladies?”

“Twiggy thinks she hears something.”

“That’s good cause the sprinkler guys are here.”

“Hey, Boss. I’m down here and don’t see a thing.”

“Look harder. Here comes one now.”

“Look at that. He’s digging in our yard.”

“Lucy is he allowed to do that?”

“If not Little One, he sure is making a mess.”

“Yeah, look at all those flags.”

“Should we do anything, Lucy?”

“I think the boss is cool so we should be as well.”

“Okay. Let’s play with popcorn.”

“That could be fun.”

“Wait, what’s that noise?”

“Sounds like more digging. I would love to get my paws in that mud.”

“There are ditches everywhere.”

“Well I don’t know about you, but all this excitement makes a nap very necessary.”

“I think you’re right. I’ll just close my eyes for a minute.”

“You do that.”

“Mmm, Maybe more than a minute.”

“Now you are talking, Little One. By the way. Quit talking.”

Wednesday Story Day – AKA – Hump Day

June 26, 2019June 25, 2019 ~ John W. Howell ~ 58 Comments

Twiggy — “I just can’t get up.”
“It’s okay. Friday will be here shortly.”

It is Wednesday Story Day again, and last week Larry gave his boss a call to let him know they are in some trouble. Although the boss was angry, he gave Larry assurances that the department lawyer would be helping him. Larry was warned to lay low, and as we all can imagine, the warning fell on deaf ears. Let’s get back to Larry and Andrew who while we were away had actually gone to the police station in South Lake Tahoe. Larry and Andrew approach a desk where a young officer is working on a computer.

“Excuse me, Officer. My name is Larry Dunfee of the Boston Police Department, and I wonder if Captain Swartz is in? Here’s my card.”

“Wow. Boston Police and a detective. This is a nice card. Our cards are embarrassing.”

“Uh, Captain Swartz?”

“Oh yeah. Excuse me. Let me call him and see if he can see you know. Can I offer you, gentlemen, a cup of coffee?”

“Thank you, but we have had ours.”

“Hold on. Yes, Marsha could you check with the chief to see if he can see a detective Dunfee from Boston.”

“And Andrew Cummings.”

“Hold on, Marsha. Sorry I didn’t understand you.”

“I was just letting you know Andrew Cummings is with me.”

“Oh, yes, sir. Hey Marsha, I’m back. There is a Mr. Cummings as well. Okay, that would be great. Bye. Marsha is going to ask the chief if he has the time.”

“Okay. When will she know?”

“She’ll call right back. You sure you don’t want some coffee?”

“I’m sure.”

“you know boss, I could use a cup.”

“Okay, Officer uh.”

“Phillis sir. Officer Phillips.”

Okay, Officer Phillips. We’ll take you up on that coffee.”

“Yes, sir. Just go through those doors on the right, and the break room is to the left. I’ll come to get you as soon as Marsha calls.”

“Thank you. Come on, Andrew.”

“Right behind you, Larry.”

“Now that we are out of earshot of Phillips, do you mind telling me about your sudden coffee craving.”

“I wanted to get you alone. I get the creepy feeling that this Captain Swartz has been expecting us.”

“How’s that?”

“Just the way that Officer Phillips dialed the phone without even consulting the office calendar. You know everyone in a police station is listed on an in or out calendar. I would think he would look to see if the chief was in.”

“Maybe he already knew if he was in or out.”

“Just gave me a funny feeling like he had instructions to call whoever Marsha is if and when we showed up.”

“Okay, Andrew. I will note your concern. I don’t share it, but okay.”

“Here we are in the coffee room, and I’m surprised.”

“By what?”

“They have a Keurig. Means the coffee hasn’t been sitting here for five hours. I think I will have a cup.”

“Gentlemen. Let me introduce myself. I’m Captain Swartz. Call me, Dan.”

“Nice meeting you, Dan. I’m Larry, and this is Andrew.”

“Grab a cup, and we can go back to my office.”

“Thank you. Been here in South Tahoe long?”

“I ‘ve lived here for about four years now. I moved from LA.”

“You on the force there?”

“Yeah. Gave it 30 years.”

“This must be a lot different.”

“You can say that again. I see you have your coffee. Just follow me.”

“Psst, Larry.”

“What, Andrew?”

“Be careful.”

“You guys coming?”

“Right with you, Captain.”

Tuesday – Anything Possible – Kreative Kue #223 by Keith Channing

June 25, 2019June 24, 2019 ~ 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.

“So when do you think she’ll be here?”

“I thought she would have been here by now.”

“Could it be we missed her?”

“How is that possible? All these people have been waiting, and they would have seen her.”

“Did you ask anyone.”

“Heavens no. I’m embarrassed enough as it is without making a scene. Besides. Look at them. They are all looking down the driveway.”

“Maybe there is another arrival they are looking to see.”

“Please. This is the only thing going on here today.”

“Well, I think it couldn’t hurt to ask.”

“Enough. Do I need any more humiliation?”

“Suit yourself. One last question.”

“Please get whatever it is off your chest. Ask away.”

“Do you recognize any of these folks?”

“Now that I look I can say I don’t.”

“Don’t you think that a bit odd?”

“Put that way, I guess I do.”

“Do you have the invitation?”

“Yes, it is right here.”

“What is the name and address of the church?”

“This is silly. I know where the church is. We had a rehearsal here last week.”

“Humor me.”

“All Saints Church. 39 Pastoral Way.”

“Do you see the name on that sign?”

“Yes. All Saints Chape—Yikes. This is the wrong church. What. . . I put the address in the GPS system.”

“Does the invitation give a time of the service.”

“Y-yes. Two o’clock.”

“Three minutes to go ten miles. Better reprogram the GPS and start moving. You may not live this one down.”

“There’s no one I can call.”

“And admit you went to the wrong church? You might want to hit a tree on the way over there. Maybe it’s your only out.”

“You joking?”

“Maybe a little. Let’s go.”

Top Ten Things Not to Do at the Mansfield Dam in an Apocalypse

June 24, 2019June 30, 2019 ~ John W. Howell ~ 42 Comments

Yesterday I did a feature on the Mansfield Dam which is in my neighborhood. There were several comments about how the Dam looked like a scene for an apocalypse movie. Since season three of Fear of the Walking Dead was filmed at the Gonzelez Dam in Baja Mexico, I thought it would be fun to imagine the Mansfield Dam in an apocalyptic situation. Of course, if we are there some precautions need to be taken. Pack up your water bottle and grab this list. Who knows it may come in handy.

10 If you are at the dam in an apocalypse, do not stand on the river bank below the dam to take photos. If you do, at best no one will think to blow up the embankment. At worst some idiot will do just that, and now you’ll be faced with a wall of water rushing your way. (I think those Wal-Mart water wings aren’t going to cut it, Herne. You might try to surf the wave all the way to Iowa.)

9 If you are at the dam in an apocalypse, do not count on Tiny the WWF champ to hold off the crowd of zombies. If you do, at best he’s not one of them. At worst, Tiny has been reanimated by the WWF in its quest for immortal wrestling heroes. (Too bad for you, Hezekiah. Tiny is now leading the pack and wants to pick your brain for a few minutes.)

8 If you are at the dam in an apocalypse, do not put your finger in that itty bitty leak. If you do, at best you will hold back the water and then have to stay forever. At worst, you will not be successful in preventing a breach in the wall. (Looks like you and several million gallons of water are heading to a vacation on the coast, Hilal. I hope holding your breath is one of your life skills.)

7 If you are at the dam in an apocalypse, do not think you can outrun a fast running zombie. If you do, at best someone will be slower than you. At worst, you’ll try your best, but in the end, you’ll be caught. (Nothing, like being out of breath and having a zombie getting ready for lunch, is there, Hilial?)

6 If you are at the dam in an apocalypse, do not think that a beautiful zombie in a wedding dress really likes you. If you do, at best you won’t be her type. At worst, you will find your vows “till death do us part,” are a little more immediate that you envisioned. (Nina Forever was a movie, Hillel. A zombie is a zombie no matter how they look.)

5 If you are at the dam in an apocalypse, do not share an apple with a zombie. If you do, at best you might catch the zombie’s cold. At worse, since you don’t know where that apple has been, you might be turned into a zombie yourself. (Nice going, Hjalmar. You managed to keep all the zombies away with your screeching, and you forget basic sanitary rules.)

4 If you are at the dam in an apocalypse, do not believe the zombie carrying the sign, “Will work for food.” If you do, at best, you’ll figure out the motive real fast. At worst, you not know what they are up to until it is too late. (So what made you think zombies work in the first place, Hollis? Yes, she loves you for your brains. You don’t know how literal that is.”

3 If you are at the dam in an apocalypse, do not believe the white flag means peace. If you do, at best, you’ll end up running for your life. At worst you will start a dialog only to discover the motto “To Serve Man,” is a cookbook. (So now these guys are in the last stronghold of humans, Holmes. I hope you can keep them entertained for the next fifty years.)

2 If you are at the dam in an apocalypse, do not turn your back on the stand of trees over there. If you do, at best there are only coyotes in that forest. At worst, no matter how much the audience tells you to turn around the zombies are creeping up on you. (How you can be that dumb, Honaw is anybody’s guess. Everyone knows you don’t turn your back on an area where zombies could be lurking.)

1 If you are at the dam in an apocalypse, do not forget to shut the gate when you start across the dam. If you do, at best, no one is following you. At worst, the zombies now have free access to the dam and all the communities on the other side. (A little precaution would have saved a number of you, Honovi. Now you are all alone with only that penknife to keep the zombies at bay. Not sure karate is going to be helpful in this situation.)

Views of the Neighborhood – Mansfield Dam

June 23, 2019June 22, 2019 ~ John W. Howell ~ 68 Comments

Today we are visiting the Mansfield Dam, which is close to the neighborhood. Mansfield Dam is 278 feet (85 m) high, 7,089 feet (2 km) long, and 213 feet (65 m) thick at the base. The concrete gravity dam was designed to control flooding. Built on the Colorado River by the Lower Colorado River Authority it stores 369 billion US gallons of water and generates 108 megawatts of power. The lake formed by the dam is Lake Travis. The Spillway Elevation is 714 feet above sea level. LCRA begins to open floods gates when water reaches 681 feet above sea level. At 681 feet above MSL, discharge capacity exceeds 130,000 cubic feet per second as the lake rises. Construction was begun in 1937 and completed in 1941. It is named after Joseph Mansfield who was in the house of Representatives for thirty years and chaired the Rivers Committee.

I hope you like the tour.

A monument to Joseph Mansfield.

I had not thought of bringing my drone, but it would have been in vain had I thought of it.

There was a highway that went across the top of the dam. Traffic got too heavy for these two lanes, so another bridge was built.

I would have loved to get a shot up and down the river, but no trespassing.

Razor wire and I don’t get along so I’ll heed the sign.

A shot of the dam, river, and highway bridge.

A little bit of a view of Lake Travis formed by the dam.

A turbine fan on display. It stands about eight feet tall.

A different view of the dam to give you an idea of the expanse.

This is a shot from a road that runs below the Dam. This was as close as I could get.

Here is what the Colorado River looks like downstream from the dam. The water flows out of one spillway and continues down the river. On the banks is a residential area with water access points. That is a group of kayakers in the background.

The river, dam, duck, man, and his dog

I took this shot since it seemed odd to me that that guy had not jumped from the bridge. If you are going to violate one rule, why not break them all?

Thank you for coming along.

Stream of Consciousness Saturday – Prompt – “Leaves.”

June 22, 2019June 21, 2019 ~ John W. Howell ~ 39 Comments

It is Stream of Consciousness Saturday again, and this weeks prompt is “leaves.” Linda Hill says we can use the word as a noun or a verb, but above all, have fun.” T think I can do that. If you would like to join in on the fun, go to Linda’s site and read how. Here is the link.

The Friday Reminder and Prompt for #SoCS June 22/19

“The leaves dwindle to a precious few.”

“What are you doing?”

“Singing September Song.”

“The one by Frank Sinatra?”

“Yup. That’s it.”

“You care to get the words, right?”

“What do you mean?”

“It’s not ‘leaves’ down to a precious few.”

“What is it.”

“‘Days’ down to a precious few.”

“Man that leaves me cold.”

“Sorry, but those are the words.”

“Is the next line ‘October, November?'”

“Close. It’s ‘September, November.”‘

“What happened to October?”

“The songwriter leaves October out of the song.”

“Why do that?”

“It is titled September song. Maybe that’s it.”

“But then November is in. Should be titled September/November Song.”

“I didn’t write the song. Besides this discussion leaves me wanting to change the subject.”

“I know the title should be ‘We Decided to Feature Only September and November in this Song.”‘

“You need to get a life you know that?”

“Speak for yourself.”

“What do you mean?”

“I’m not the one asking questions about a stupid song being sung by someone with no life.”

“I get your point. I’m going to the bar.”

“I’m going to read some poetry.”

“I almost don’t want to ask.”

“Leaves of trash by Walt Whitman.”

“Yeah, well you enjoy.”

Friday JohnKu – AKA – TGIF

June 21, 2019June 28, 2019 ~ John W. Howell ~ 79 Comments

Twiggy and Lucy — “It’s Friday Little One. You gotta move.”
“Five minutes more, Lucy.”

It is Friday again. This week has flown for some reason. Maybe it’s that I’m back to writing on what I hope to be my sixth book. For some reason, I have thoughts of the paranormal in my brain. I tried hard working on an adventure with Ned Tranes. Ned is the police chief in the three John Cannon stories. For whatever reason, Ned continued to drag his feet, and the story became like pulling teeth. Not much fun.

I did sit down and write a short story which exploded into a whole new world. Let me give you a blurb, and you’ll see (hopefully) what I mean. The names are not the final characters but just placeholders.

Samantha and James were best pals in the second grade. One day Samantha suddenly disappeared with no explanation or resolution. James prayed his heart out for her return, but all his pleadings went unanswered.

Driving alone on a long trip to Kansas City, James picks up a hitchhiker. It has been fifteen years since Samantha went out of his life, and here she is in the front seat of the car.

Samantha explains that because of his prayers, she has been chosen to escort him to the eternal home. It is then James learns he is no longer of this world. She tells him gently that he fell asleep, and his body did not survive the car crash.

There are rules to follow for those on a journey to the eternal respite, and Samantha has been schooled in the proper procedures. Violate the regulations and a soul risks spending eternity seeking the place rather than being there.

Join James and Samantha as they travel toward the safety of his eternal place. They will be facing the challenges of abiding by the rules, different time periods, and staying clear of those who have an incentive to see that James never makes it home.

Maybe it will work. I know I’m more excited to write this story so we’ll see how it goes.

Today’s JohnKu talks about when writing becomes a chore. I hope you all have a great weekend.

Dragging to the desk,

Having to face dross again . . .

Better start over.