Tag: Circumstances of Childhood

Wednesday Story Day – AKA – Hump Day

~ John W. Howell ~ 57 Comments
Twiggy and Lucy
“What is that, Little One?”
“It’s my gotcha cake.”
“Ah. One year since we gotcha.”
“Yup. Happy Gotcha to me.”

 

It is Wednesday Story Day again and last week we were part of a discussion between Andrew and Larry to the point that Janice and Alexis Rafferty might have had some discord in their marriage that could have been a motive for murder. As clichéd as it sounds the detectives will need to follow-up with a careful investigation of the Raftery’s to see if there is that possibility. In the meantime, it appears that Larry is keeping Cortez on the suspect list given the five-million-dollar policy and the fact that Rafferty refused to sign the report that said Sandusky’s machine didn’t work. We better check in with Larry and Andrew and see where the heck we are on this whole mess.

 

“Hey, Larry. You hear from Evon on that contract?”

“As a matter of fact, no. I totally forgot that he was going to send it over.”

“Well, I have some news on Miss Janice.”

“Do tell.”

“it seems she filed for a divorce a year ago.”

“You’re kidding me? That is all too pat.”

“Get this though. She never went through with it.”

“How do you know that?”

“There was a subsequent filing requesting a withdrawal of the petition which was granted. Guess who was Janice’s lawyer.”

“I don’t have to guess. Evon, right?”

“You got it.”

“So what does this tell us?”

“In my mind, there was something not right in the marriage and then for some reason whatever was not right was corrected.”

“Or some hot-shot lawyer talks the petitioner out of pursuing a divorce for some reason.”

“And the husband dies within the year.”

“And five-million is up for grabs.”

“We need to talk to that police chief in South Tahoe to see if the insurance company contacted him.”

“I also have to call Evon and find out the status of that employment contract.”

“Who’s on first?”

“Let’s do the police chief. Dialing now.”

“I hope he is available.”

“Me too¾Yes this is detective Dunfee of the Boston Police depart. Is Captain Swartz available? Sure, I’ll hold.”

“Bet he’s out.”

“Hello, Captain. Thank you, sir, I hope your day is good as well. Yes, sir. The reason for my call is to quickly check to see if an insurance agent or investigator has contacted you regarding the Rafferty matter?  They have. I wonder if you could tell me about the nature of their discussion. Uh huh. Yeah. Okay. So, you told them it was an accident. No, no that’s all the information you have about it. What you said was fine. One more thing, captain. Could you give me the name of the company and the person who contacted you? Why? As you know we are investigating a murder that has some elements involving Mr. Rafferty. We just want to make certain that the company understands some of the circumstances around the five-million-dollar policy. Yes, that’s right five million. He never mentioned the amount? No, I still think what you told him are the facts as you see them at this point. No, of course, I don’t think you were part of any scheme. Captain take a breath. No one is accusing you of anything. We just think it is prudent to let the company know some facts that we have uncovered. It will be their decision to pay or not. So are we good? Great. Now, who were the investigator and the company name? Yes, just read me his card. Okay, I’m ready. Randall Davis, special investigator, World Life, and Casualty. Um, Hum. Yes. 212-555-1212. Okay, I got it. Thank you so much, captain. Yes, we will keep you informed. Yes, sir, you have a good one as well.”

“What the hell?”

“I know right? The captain became unglued when I mentioned the five million.”

“Sounded like he was declaring his innocence.”

“Yeah, don’t you wonder when people do that?”

“I’m not sure but if I were the head of the police department, I would have thought a drunken ski accident would be suspicious.”

“Maybe there is more to his denial than meets the eye.”

“God, I hope we are not adding another suspect.”

“We need to keep our eyes open, but I agree with you. This whole case is getting to be bigger than a breadbasket.”

“Where do you get sayings like that?”

“I don’t know. They just come to me.”

“You sure you didn’t work in a Dilbert kind of company?”

“Yeah, I’m positive. Anyway, let’s do the call with Evon. I think I’m going to have to talk to Gloria soon if we get any more complex here.”

“Sounds like a good idea no matter what.”

 

 

 

 

 

 

Tuesday – Anything Possible – Kreative Kue #213 by Keith Channing

~ John W. Howell ~ 43 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.

There won’t be a Kreative Kue for a couple of weeks – it seems someone is rather keen (and in a hurry) to buy our home here in France. Next week, we’ll be heading to the north of England in an effort to identify a house to live in after we have to leave this one! The next scheduled Kreative Kue will be on Easter Monday, 22nd April.”

The photo.
Kreative Kue #213
Gotta Light? by John W. Howell ©2019
“Hey, Charlie. Whatcha doing?”
“It looks pretty obvious.”
“So tell me.”
“I’m trying to decide on calling the fire department or not.”
“For this little fire?”
“Yes for this little fire. I’m getting concerned.”
“Concerned? About what? It looks like it’s under control. A few branches is all.”
“It may appear to be that to you. There’s a deeper issue.”
“My goodness. Sounds sinister.”
“Don’t laugh. It is sinister.”
“Oh come on. Looks the fire is starting to die down.”
“That’s what I thought about a half hour ago.”
“So this thing has been burning for a half hour?”
“Longer than that.”
“That does seem a little strange. It doesn’t seem like there is enough wood to keep it going for that long.”
“Now you are beginning to get a sense of my worry.”
“Other than that it still seems quite normal.”
“Except for one thing.”
“What’s that?”
“I didn’t start the fire.”
“Come again? What do you mean you didn’t start the fire?”
“I came out here to light this brush—”
“So you did start the fire.”
“Let me finish, will you?”
“Go ahead.”
“I came out here to light this brush, and when I got here, I realized I forgot my matches.”
“Sounds like you. So how did you get the brush lit?”
“That’s just it. While reaching in my pockets for a light and realizing I had forgotten the matches I said, “Hey brush. You gotta light?”
“Don’t tell me.”
“Yup. The brush ignited. Just like that.”
“And has been burning ever since.”
“Now you understand.”
“I think we need to do something.”
“Okay. I’m glad you feel the same as I do.”
“Repeat after me.”
“Huh? I was thinking of calling the fire department.”
“No, forget that. I have a feeling you are gifted, and we should act fast before the gift goes away. Repeat after me. “Hey, brush.”
“I don’t get it but okay, “Hey, Brush.”
“You gotta beer?”
“You gotta beer? You are a jerk. You know that?”
“You want one?”

Top Ten Things Not to Do on Your Significant Other’s Birthday

~ John W. Howell ~ 70 Comments

 

Top Ten Things Not to Do

 

If your significant other is having a birthday, there are things that one should not do.  It just so happens that yesterday was my significant other’s birthday, and except for one thing I managed to avoid the other stuff on the list.

Top Ten Things Not to Do on Your Significant Other’s Birthday by John W. Howell © 2019

10 If your significant other is having a birthday, do not take a lot of time writing a Ten Things Not to Do list. If you do, at best there is still time for other activities. At worst, you will run out of time to celebrate the birthday. (Now you are in deep yogurt, Ghoukas. What happened to the cake, presents, and good wishes? You better pray for author understanding.)

9 If your significant other is having a birthday, do go to the gym with Tiny the WWF wrestling champ. If you do, at best you’ll only have sore muscles from sparring with him. At worst, Tiny will show you his latest helicopter spin and drop maneuver.  (Hard to celebrate from the ER huh, Giancarlo? Don’t worry someone will call and let your significant other know you won’t make the party.)

8 If your significant other is having a birthday, do not think a packet of beef jerky from the convenience store is the perfect gift. If you do, at best your significant other will take it as a joke. At worst, you’ll be dining alone tonight. (That beef jerky helps cover the taste of the crow,  Gili. Better luck next year.)

7 If your significant other is having a birthday, don’t forget to cancel your participation in the weekly bowling event. If you do forget, at best you’ll stay home. At worst, you’ll go to the event and suffer dire consequences. (Did no one ever tell you about life choices, Gilvaethwy? You now must live with the results of your neglect. Please remember it was Fido’s house before you moved in.)

6 If your significant other is having a birthday, do not think going to your favorite place is the best experience for a birthday. If you do, at best none of the usual crowd are there. At worst, your bowling team members and the local motorcycle club are having a beer chugging contest. (You could have made a reservation at a beautiful place, Giovany. But no, and now your significant other is being cheered on as she downs a quart bong. Tomorrow is not going to be a good day for you.)

5 If your significant other is having a birthday, do not expect a home cooked meal instead of dinner out. If you do, at best you’ll get cold cuts. At worst, your significant other will cook something and leave it with a note that lets you know a restaurant visit was expected. (Looks like your significant other and a bunch of friends are having more fun than you, Girvin.)

4 If your significant other is having a birthday, do not offer to bake a cake unless you know what you are doing. If you do, at best you can still have time to call the bakery. At worst, the suggestion will be made to use your masterpiece as a doorstop. (Never knew frosting to get that hard did you, Glaucus. Maybe NASA would like to know about your formula.)

3 If your significant other is having a birthday, do not buy a card with a message that is obviously not a natural expression of your feelings. If you do, at best your significant other will get a chuckle. At worst the inscription, “Roses are red, Violets are blue, I want to run away, How about you?” will be taken the wrong way. (You were talking about a trip together, Gobrwy. What are you doing in court?)

2 If your significant other is having a birthday, do not give a gift which you know is not suited. If you do, at best you might be able to keep it. At worst, you might be wearing it. (They say to give a gift that you would like to receive, Godric. Not sure your significant other had a cordless weed trimmer in mind as the perfect gift.)

1 If your significant other is having a birthday, do not invite guests to the celebration who your significant other does not know. If you do, at best there will be some new friendships made. At worst, you will get no kudos for the uncomfortable feeling your significant other will have in a room filled with strangers. (It seemed like a good idea at the time, Gofraidh. You better get over there it looks like your significant other, and your boss are having some kind of argument.)

 

Views of the Neighborhood – A Look at Lakeway Park

~ John W. Howell ~ 66 Comments

The park in Lakeway is celebrating the Twenty-Fifth anniversary.  Since the Producer and I have never visited in our three weeks here, we thought it a good idea. We were surprised by the size and services offered. As a side note, the city council bearly passed the approval for the park when it was first proposed. Now it is a city treasure. I hope you like the tour.

A sign letting you know that this is it.

Unique cactus at the entrance.

A surprise was a full-sized ball diamond named Ranger Field after the excavating company who made it possible. (Not named after the Texas Rangers)

A view of the outfield from the umpire position.

A shot of the bleachers and dugout down the first base line.

A huge playground. I noticed that this part is for 2 to 5-year-olds. Given the directions of not wearing a helmet, I think the children learn to read very early here.

A pavilion for parties including a dance floor.

A Texas-shaped stone honoring those who made the park possible.

A sigh with rules.

A shuffleboard needing some TLC.

A cactus garden

The cactus garden dedication.

A dog park with an agility course.

Rules of the dog park.

A kayak launch site on Lake Travis in Lakeway Park.

A place to borrow a life jacket if you left yours at home.

Sand Volleyball courts.

A view of the lake. The construction is a new park bench. (Not in view)

This is very unusual. It is a butterfly garden with all manner of flowering plants to attract butterflies. You can see some Texas Bluebonnets in the background.

I hope you enjoyed the walk around the park

Stream of Consciousness Saturday – Prompt – “Dough/D’oh

~ John W. Howell ~ 45 Comments

 

Stream of ConsciousnessIt is Stream of Consciousness Saturday time again and this weeks prompt is “dough/d’oh.” Linda Hill says, “Use one, use both, use ’em any way you like. Enjoy!” Well, you heard her. If you would like to join in visit Linda’s blog and read how. Here is the link.

The Friday Reminder and Prompt for #SoCS March 30/19

Dough/D’oh by John W. Howell © 2019

“Where did you get the dough?”

“The corner store has all kinds of fresh dough. Bread dough of every kind.”

“So you going to do some baking?”

“No. I thought I would leave it on the porch to harder and then have a doorstop.”

“Ah. Dark sarcasm in the classroom.”

“Huh?”

“You were joking right?”

“Duh. I must say you are swift today.”

“Well, I have been a little off lately.”

“Any reason?”

“I can’t put my finger on it.”

“You haven’t been yourself since you came into that dough from your grandfather.”

“Do you think that’s it?”

“You have to admit you changed the day it arrived.”

“Having dough like that is a big responsibility.”

“Come on. It wasn’t that much.”

“Yes but handled correctly it will grow. That’s the hard part.”

“I don’t see that.”

“It has to be kept warm and in a dark place.”

“Wait. We are talking about money, right?”

“No sourdough.”

“D’oh!”

Friday JohnKu – AKA – TGIF

~ John W. Howell ~ 83 Comments
“It is a beautiful Friday morning, Little One.”
“What should we do today, Lucy?”
“The sky’s the limit, Little Potato. The absolute limit.”

 

Another Friday and just have to say time flies. This seems to be the big lament. I’m happy to report the washer, dryer, and refrigerator arrived and are installed. I’m pleased to say we will not have to eat salted game and fish anymore. Okay, maybe I exaggerate a little. We do have a fridge in the garage that has met our needs quite well. It just seems that everything you need is out there and everything you don’t need is in here. I think you get the picture. Also stumbling over two cars to get to a quart of milk is a little inconvenient.

We seem to be getting closer to more of the things we need. Once you have clean clothes and ice, there isn’t much else. Well, we still need a dining room table. Ours arrived with two broken legs. That meant going back and getting a new one. We are still not sure when it will come. The dining room chairs are a way off as well. We are fortunate to have a kitchen island where we can sit and eat. The island stools were some of the first things to arrive so we lucked out.

All in all, things are coming along. This week’s JohnKu talks about patience which is one thing we have learned to embrace. I hope you have a rewarding weekend.

Patience by John W. Howell © 2019

The harder we try,

The behinder we all get . . .

At least, so it seems.

Thursday – A Little Personal – Lucy and Twiggy In the Yard

~ John W. Howell ~ 64 Comments

Twiggy and Lucy

“Here is how we keep watch, Little Potato.”

“I have my Bulldog stance perfected.”

“Yeah, you look great.”

“Thanks but I can’t hold it forever.”

“Well, nothing wrong with taking a rest.”

“But I’m not as fierce.”

“Hold on. I think I see something. Be right back.”

“Let me know if it is something dangerous.”

“Naw. It was nothing but a guy with a leaf blower.”

“He wouldn’t have heard me bark anyway. Glad I didn’t waste it.”

“I think we ought to take a break now. We’ve been on duty at least an hour.”

“Yeah, a quick rest is all I need.”

“Don’t be eating any of that mulch now.”

“That was the old me. I don’t do that anymore.”

Twiggy and Lucy

“What are you doing?”

“Combo back scratch and sunbath.”

“Looks fun. How do you do it?”

“Flop on your back, stick your tongue out and kick up your feet.”

“Yeah, you lost me at flop on your back. I can’t do that.”

“I’ll bet you can.”

“Nope legs too short.

“How about I knock you over?”

Twiggy and Lucy

“See this is as close as I get.”

“Poor puppy.”

Wednesday Story Day – AKA – Hump Day

~ John W. Howell ~ 38 Comments

 

“Yeah, it’s Wednesday, Little One. Friday will be here shortly.”
“I got your back, Lucy.”

 

It is Wednesday Story Day again, and last week we learned that Janice was the beneficiary of a five-million-dollar insurance plan. We also discovered that Cortez had a similar policy on Alexis Rafferty as a critical member of his organization. Although Larry and Andrew were dismissed by Evon there is a lingering question on who would most benefit from Alexis’ demise. I see Larry and Andrew are in the car heading back to the station. I’m sure we want to hear what they have to say.

“Well, Larry that was a rather inelegant departure.”

“Yeah. Don’t remind me, Andrew. Do you believe Rafferty had ten million bucks riding on his head.”

“That is certainly a lot of money.”

“Yeah and I wonder who had the most to gain by seeing him dead.”

“Hard to say. Mrs. Rafferty would get five of the ten.”

“And Cortez the other five.”

“That’s right. Also, we learned that Rafferty didn’t want to sign that report.”

“Although it looks like he did.”

“Could be a forgery.”

“That would be worth checking for sure. So, if Rafferty didn’t want to sign the report and Cortez could get five million if he were no longer around, I say the scale of who would gain more tilts to Cortez.”

“Of course, that assumes he could collect.”

“What do you mean?”

“I think the insurance company is going to investigate the circumstances of the death and if they determine it is a homicide all bets will be off.”

“So, we need to contact that company and see where they are in their investigation.”

“I didn’t get the company’s name. Did you?”

“No, but I think when Evon gives me a call about Rafferty’s contract, I’ll ask him for it.”

“I have another idea. Let’s call that chief of police in South Tahoe and see if the company contacted him. Surely they would want to talk to the police.”

“Great idea. Also, in this way, we won’t tip our hand. You have genius tendencies, Andrew.”

“I just feel that the less contact we have with Janice and Evon the better.”

“You think they had something to do with the death?”

“I think we can call it murder given what we know now.”

“Okay, do you think they had something to do with the murder?”

“Five million bucks can be a big motivator.”

“See I think Rafferty alive would be able to make more than five million so I don’t agree with you.”

“You like Janice huh?”

“No. I mean that she could gain more if Rafferty were alive and working.”

“Unless there is another reason.”

“Like what?”

“Oh, like a boyfriend. Like marital discord. Maybe Rafferty had a girlfriend.”

“So, we need to check out Janice carefully.”

“And Rafferty. Cortez, we know could have done it.”

“Man, we have a lot to do.”

“You need to slow down. Nothing like a Boston police detective being given a ticket in the burbs.”

“You’re right. I’m pretty anxious to get back to the station and get to work.”

“I hear that.”

 

 

 

 

 

Tuesday – Anything Possible – Creative Kue #212 by Keith Channing

~ John W. Howell ~ 43 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 #212

The Walk by John W. Howell © 2019

“So how long have you been coming this way?”

“What do you mean?”

“Along this rocky beach.”

“Oh, this is a favorite of mine. I love the sound of the water.”

“But it is hard to walk on.”

“Yes but the views and fresh air make it all worthwhile.”

“I don’t know, but I think I prefer the higher ground.”

“What? And miss the opportunity to commune with nature?”

“The only nature I see are those buzzards circling overhead.”

“Come on. Look at those gulls over there.”

“Yeah, you see one gull you see them all.”

“Looks like someone got up on the wrong side of the bed.”

“Well, I wasn’t very keen on taking this walk.”

“I know if it were up to you, it would be all about lying around the house all day and never seeing anything.”

“Well, I’m not a big fan of the outdoors.”

“I don’t get that. Your kind has roamed the Earth for centuries.”

“Maybe some of my kind has. It is not for me. Can we go back now?”

“I can’t believe this. Your ancestors invented fire for heaven’s sake. You would think you could stand a little walk?”

“Easy for you to say. You have four legs so it is not as hard on each leg.”

“Okay, we’ll go back, but not a peep until kibble time.”

“I promise.”

 

Top Ten Things Not to Do at the First Organized Horse Race in America in 1665

~ John W. Howell ~ 44 Comments
Photo courtesy Horseracingphoto.co.uk

This post continues the Top Ten Things Not to Do against a historical background. In March of 1665, the establishment of the Newmarket course in Salisbury, New York, a section of what is now known as the Hempstead Plains of Long Island is recognized as the start of thoroughbred horse racing in the United States.

If you plan to travel back to witness this event the following is a list that may help guide your appropriate behavior.

Top Ten Things Not to Do at the First Horse Race in America in 1665

10 If you are at the first horse race, do not ask about the missing bugle First Call to the post. If you do, at best no one will know what you are asking. At worst, someone will hand you a bugle and demand you play it. (Since the First Call was used beginning in the 1860s to signal that the race is ten minutes away, it doesn’t matter what you play, Gavin. Just know that whatever it is will be used throughout history. I think I would hand the bugle back and tell them you don’t play it.)

9 If you are at the first horse race, do not try to get close to the favorite if Tiny the WWF champ is the groom. If you do, at best Tiny will just push you away. At worst, Tiny just left the owner’s office with the instructions to keep everyone away at all costs. (What you should know about Tiny, Gavril is “at all costs.” does not include considering your welfare as precious. I would begin moving toward the door and for heaven’s sake don’t make eye contact with Tiny.)

8 If you are at the first horse race, do not ask for a program or schedule of races. If you do, at best you will be laughed out of the track. At worse the track owner might think you are going to start your own racetrack and are nothing but a spy. (The fact that the track owner is the national bull wrestling champ and is known for his lack of sense of humor means you should probably begin to find a route of escape, Gaylin.)

7 If you are at the first horse race, do not ask for special seats in the clubhouse. If you do, at best you will be shown a stool in the barn. At worst, you’ll give some entrepreneur a bright idea on how to make money without a horse. (Even today, thanks to you, Gearoid, the racetracks have figured out how to charge for deluxe seats while making those who pay through the nose feel special.)

6 If you are at the first horse race, do not dress like you were going to the Ascot in coat and tails. If you do, at best someone will ask you for a drink order. At worst you might be mistaken for the town crier and be asked to repeat the latest news. (Now how are you going to explain what is going on around here, Gelasius? You just arrived twenty minutes ago.)

5 If you are at the first horse race, do not order a mint julep. If you do, at best the barkeeper will think you are drunk. At worst, you’ll get all involved in trying to explain Kentucky whiskey, mint and Ice. (Now everyone is asking questions about where you are from and how you know anything about Kentucky whiskey, Geoffroy. They also want to know what Kentucky whiskey is anyway.)

4 If you are at the first horse race, do not ask where you can find the two dollar window. If you do, at best you will be directed to Seth the carpenter. At worse, when they figure out you intend to bet on the race you will become the first bookie in American history. (Too bad you don’t know anything about betting, Geralt. When you gave twenty to one odds on old Paint you never expected him to win, did you? I think I would push the “home,” button on that fancy time traveler of yours.)

3 If you are at the first horse race, do not accuse the jockey of your losing horse of throwing the race. If you do, at best he won’t hear your accusation. At worst, he will slap you with a glove. (Now the glove didn’t hurt, but you have come to realize, Gergo, you have been invited to a sword party known as a duel. Sorry, Tiny is not interested in being your second or stand-in. Let’s hope those fencing classes in college come in handy.)

2 If you are at the first horse race, do not believe those who tell you that “The Kings Ride.” is a sure thing. If you do, at best you only lost two dollars. At worst, you bet the farm. (What is funny, Germanus, you don’t own the farm. Look over there. See that big guy with the red face. It’s his farm and now wants a piece of you.)

1 If you are at the first horse race, do not bet on a horse because it has a funny name. If you do, at best you might win. At worst, Mymotherinlaw’sunderwear decides to finish last. (Yes it was a funny name, and it is a good thing you didn’t bet a lot, Gerrell. I hope you know that you now own the horse since you were the only one to claim it in the claiming race. Hope time travel is possible for a horse.)