Tuesday – Anything Possible – Finger Point Prompt

November 13, 2018November 12, 2018 ~ John W. Howell ~ 37 Comments

Twiggy and Lucy — “What is that, Bailey?”
“Could be a bird, a plane. No, it’s a ceiling fan Little Stuff”

As you may know, Keith Channing has taken the month of November to craft another Na-No-Wri-Mo 50,000 word novel. So again today I am promptless. GP Cox came up with a solution. He more or less said, “Why don’t you point a finger at a spot in a book and use that as a prompt.” He recalled a prompt on a Steam of Conscious Saturday where Linda Hill proscribed just that prompt method.

So thank you, GP Cox. Here it goes. I’m opening L is for Lawless by Sue Grafton and putting my finger on a page. It is page 143 and my finger sits on the phrase, I picked up the five and held it closer. This is the prompt today.

“Why are you sitting all alone?”

“Why not? I don’t know anyone here.”

“The idea was for you to go out and make friends.”

“So why are you here?”

“I wanted to make sure you would be okay.”

“I’m okay. I just don’t have anything to talk about with these people.”

“I don’t get that. You are surrounded by a number of folks that are just like you.”

“What’s that supposed to mean?”

“You know. Love comic books and Sci-Fi.”

“I guess that’s what a Comic-Con is all about. I still feel shy.”

“Talk to me. You are sitting here with a cosplay look of The Fly. Hasn’t anyone come up to you to comment on your fabulous costume?”

“Well, yeah they did?”

“They did? What did they say?”

“They thought I looked pretty natural.”

“So what happened? Did you talk to them?”

“A little. Then they got annoying?”

“Annoying? What did they do?”

“Made comments about my proboscis. One said it looked yucky.”

“How many were there?”

“Five in all.”

“So the others were cool, right?”

“Yeah, they were good.”

“So where are they?”

“Well. I picked up the five and held them close.”

“Then?”

“I ate them.”

“Oh no. You said the other four were good.”

“I guess I should have said delicious, but I didn’t want to shock you too quickly.”

“I guess I appreciate that. I think we had better go.”

“Yeah, I need to check my web. Might have caught something.”

Top Ten Things Not to Do at the First Sunday Football Game at Philadelphia in 1933

November 12, 2018November 11, 2018 ~ John W. Howell ~ 48 Comments

This is a continuation of the Top Ten Things Not to Do list with a historical background. Today marked the anniversary of the first Sunday football game played in Philadelphia in 1933. If you were there, some actions are a no-no.

Top Ten Things Not to Do at the First Sunday Football Game at Philadelphia in 1933

10 At the first Sunday football game in Philadelphia, do not sit next to your parish priest unless you have been to church. If you do, at best you can take confession right there. At worst, you will be invited to a special service titled Miscreants of the Week. ( Of all the seats in the stadium you had to pick this one, Farzad.)

9 At the first Sunday football game in Philadelphia, do not forget to tip Tiny, the WWF Champ and now stadium vendor, for your hot dog. If you do, at best that mustard stain on your back will come out. At worst, Tiny who believes tips are a showing of love will think you hate him. (The time to vacate your seat is now, Fedele. That large tray of hot dogs will not rest well when Tiny lets it go in your direction.)

8 At the first Sunday football game in Philadelphia, do not try to eat a Philly Cheesesteak sandwich and cheer for your team at the same time. If you do, At best the guy in front of you is wearing a raincoat. At worst, your expelled cheesesteak bite goes down the collar of the police chief in the row in front of you. (I don’t think you will be able to explain this as an accident, Felicien. Good luck on your first night in jail)

7 At the first Sunday football game in Philadelphia, do not cause yourself to be over-celebrating on your carry in hootch just because the blue laws in Pennsylvania allowed Sunday sports. If you do, at best you’ll find someone to take you home. At worst, you will need an ironclad excuse for spending the night in the bleachers. (Gotta wonder why none of the cleaning crew found you huh, Fenris.)

6 At the first Sunday football game in Philadelphia, do not sit in the Chicago section wearing your Eagles jersey. If you do, at best the fans around you think you have a mental condition. At worst, as the game progresses someone may get the idea to remove you crowd surfing you over the lip of the Baker Bowl stadium. (It is a long fall from the top to the parking lot, Ferke. Flapping your arms may help a little.)

5 At the first Sunday football game in Philadelphia, do not think you don’t have to pay off your bet because the score was tied at 3 and 3. f you do, at best the bookie consider your bet too small to collect. At worst, your bookie is the kind who believes any no pay a matter of honor. ( Those cement overshoes are styling, Fidal. Might prove to hamper treading water though.)

4 At the first Sunday football game in Philadelphia, do not blow your large and loud horn to cheer on your team. If you do, at best you’ll be sitting alone. At worst, your fellow participants will tire of losing their hats, hair, and hearing and will stuff your horn where the sun don’t shine. (I know I’m surprised as well, Finnbar. I think that high decibel honk is terrific. Might be better on a MAC truck though.)

3 At the first Sunday football game in Philadelphia, do not ask your neighbor to share their popcorn. If you do, at best the corn will be gone. At worst, your neighbor has just been diagnosed with the flu and is more than happy to share. (Don’t worry, Fionn. In the 30’s the flu only took maybe half of those diagnosed. Oh, look a guy in a black hoodie carrying a scythe. I don’t see any hay that needs cutting do you?)

2 At the first Sunday football game in Philadelphia, do not run out and attempt to ring the Liberty Bell to count the first field goal points. If you do, at best the Liberty Bell Center in Independence National Historic Park will be closed on Sunday. At worst, your attempt at goodwill has been seen as a terrorist act. ( Well, you’ve earned yourself a nice cozy room in Guantanamo, Firmann. I have no idea why it is so dark here.)

1 At the first Sunday football game in Philadelphia, do not dispute how the Eagles got their name. If you do, at best there was no money on the fact that they got their name from the Blue Eagle which was a symbol for economic recovery during the Franklin Roosevelt administration. At worst, you now need to walk home since you put your car up to back your bet that the Eagles were named after the great American Bald Eagle. (You could have been right too, Flanagan. You might try putting your thumb out. Maybe some hapless fool will give you a lift.)

Views of the Neighborhood – Pools . . .Yes Pools

November 11, 2018November 10, 2018 ~ John W. Howell ~ 73 Comments

First, a note of appreciation to our veterans. Thank you so much for your service and sacrifice

I have to admit there was nothing going on in Port Aransas this week. I have wanted to do a pool feature for a while. Could I do it in the summer when the water is blue, the temperatures in the 90s, and there are tons of happy people around the pool? No, of course not. Needed to wait for a rainy, cloudy, and in the 50’s. Put on your overcoat and come with me.

Here is the entrance to the pool at Cinnamon Shores the biggest community in the area.

This is an infinity pool. There is a pond in the background.

Mustang Royale is a community next to where I live.

The pool is a little smaller than the last.

Another community in Port Aransas.

The entrance to their pool.

The pool.

Pioneer Park is the largest RV resort in Port Aransas.

The pool entrance.

The pool has a lot of decking tiles.

Sunflower resort.

Sunflower Resort pool.

The Palmilla Beach Resort.

This is one of the prettiest in the area.

The Port Aransas Community Pool

The community pool. There is actually someone in the 83-degree water.

This is our community.

Our community pool.

Stream of Consciousness Saturday – Prompt “Mean(s)

November 10, 2018November 9, 2018 ~ John W. Howell ~ 49 Comments

It is Stream of Consciousness Saturday and this weeks prompt is “mean (s). Linda Hill says we can use the prompt with or without the (s). Maybe I’ll use them both. If you would like to participate in this fun go to Linda’s blog and read how. Here is the link.

The Friday Reminder and Prompt for #SoCS Nov. 10/18

“What does that mean?”

“I think it is pretty clear.”

“If it were clear I wouldn’t ask.”

“You ask a lot of questions so how am I supposed to know if something is clear to you or not?”

“It’s not clear to me.”

“Okay. The sign means to keep off the grass.”

“Why does it say, ‘Touch Not?'”

“I figure that would cover everything. Feet, hands, body. You name it, ‘Touch Not’ means no part of anyone should be on my grass.”

“You are a mean mother. You know that?

“Why would you say I’m mean?”

“Who cares if someone steps on your precious grass. It is meant to be walked on.”

“Oh no, it is not meant to be walked on. Grass means green visual. Nothing else.”

“Green visual. Did you just make that up?”

“Maybe. I think that is what grass means to me.”

“What about picnics, flying kites, lawn bowling, and crochet?”

“On someone else’s grass.”

“I can tell you this attitude means a potential for a lonely old age.”

“If those who want to visit me mean to walk on my grass, I would be happy being lonely.”

“You don’t mean that.”

“I do mean that. My ‘Touch Not’ sign goes up tomorrow.”

“Why not today?”

“It would mean postponing my lawn party.”

“You are a disturbed person. You know that right?

“Talk about mean?”

Friday – JohnKu – AKA – TGIF

November 9, 2018November 8, 2018 ~ John W. Howell ~ 74 Comments

Friday and another weekend is almost here. This week has been a matter of caring for Bailey and continuing the work on the WIP edits. We have an appointment with the editor in January, so the deadline is getting near. My productivity has not been the best this last week, but I have managed to keep plugging.

I am actually writing this post from the Oncology office of the Blue Pearl Animal clinic in San Antonio. In conjunction with the vets, we have decided on the course of treatment which will include chemotherapy and regular blood panel checking. Unfortunately, Bailey’s liver has been compromised, and the easiest treatment is also the hardest on the liver. So we will have to do intravenous therapy rather than a pill.

This means a greater chance of side effects and rules out home treatment. Will will have to travel to get the treatment and Bailey does not travel well, but we will all have to bear a little inconvenience to keep her feeling well. Today’s JohnKu talks about worthwhile effort.

An effort by John W. Howell

Inconveniences,

Can be well tolerated. . .

For a noble cause.

Thursday – A Little Personal – Lucy, Bailey, and Twiggy Play Inside

November 8, 2018November 7, 2018 ~ John W. Howell ~ 77 Comments

“Fe fi fo fum. I smell the blood of a Frenchie.”

“You are supposed to rhyme with fum. Like Englishman.”

“To really rhyme with fum I’d have to say Frenchie bum.”

“Aw, now that would not be nice.”

“Well I’m just sayin'”

“Have I shown you my latest wrestling hold? I call it the jaw lock.”

“Have you seen my latest? I call it the step over chokehold.”

“Yak. I can see it is a good one.”

“Say, Uncle.”

“Oh my gosh. What if I don’t say, Uncle?”

“I may have to give you a hug.”

“Okay then. I’ll Take the hug.”

“Why don’t you see what Bailey’s doing.”

“Good idea.”

“Hey, Bailey. What’s up?”

“Just finished a delicious breakfast, Little one. I was thinking of a nap.”

“Looks like a good day for it?”

“That’s what I was thinking.”

“You doing okay?”

“I feel great Little Stuff. Just need to get rested and build my strength.”

“Twiggy was right. It is a great day for a nap. In fact, I should be taking a sunbath outside.”

“You want to go out, Bailey?”

“Yes, Pops. Thanks.”

“Ah. Now we’re talking.”

Wednesday Story Day – AKA – Hump Day

November 7, 2018November 6, 2018 ~ John W. Howell ~ 52 Comments

“Take it easy Little Potato. It is only Wednesday. I set the alarm for Friday.”

It is Wednesday Story Day again and last week we witnessed Larry and Louis come to an agreement over the information that Louis might have on either the motive or possible suspects in the killing of Sandusky. Let’s go to the police station once more as Larry hands Louis that cup of coffee.

“Okay, Louis. Here’s your cup of coffee.”

“Thanks, detective.”

“You can call me Larry since I’m almost positive we are going to become friends.”

“How old is this coffee anyway?”

“I made it this morning.”

“Well, six hours and I’m surprised it is still liquid.”

“Come on Louis. We are not here to talk about coffee. Tell me what you know about the Sandusky killing.”

“As I told you before, Larry, I have no knowledge of the killing. I showed up at work and there he was in the tank.”

“Describe what you saw.”

“I had stopped at the coffee shop across the street and looked over at the plant. There were some lights on and I thought that pretty unusual. By the way, the coffee shop had drinkable coffee.”

“Never mind the coffee. What did you see next?”

“I took my coffee and went into the plant. I passed through the office and went right to the tank.”

“Why did you go right to the tank?”

“There was a light on above the tank and I was sure I turned them all off when I left the previous evening.”

“Okay. Then what?”

“I saw Sandusky more or less floating in the tank.”

“What do you mean, ‘more or less.’”

“Well, he looked like he was doing a jellyfish float. His head was below water, but his back had broken the surface.”

“What did you do then.”

“I grabbed the phone and called 911.”

“There was a phone in the room with the tank.”

“Yeah. It was a wall phone and intercom.”

“Okay, then what?”

“I wanted to make sure he wasn’t still alive and maybe needed help, so I went closer and that’s when I saw the terminal connected to him.”

“How connected?”

“There is an alligator clip which you can connect the terminal to almost anything. It was clipped to his ear.”

“Ear? What the hell?”

“Makes sense.”

“How does it make sense?”

“From where I stood it looked like he had all his clothes on. The ear or hand would be the only clean connections.”

“Okay, I see that. Did you reach in to help him?”

“No way. I needed to turn off the current first. I went to the breaker box and that was when I discovered the current was already turned off.”

“Does this mean anything?”

“To me, it signals whoever did Sandusky in knew if the current kept flowing it would in all probability have cooked him. As it was it only blew up his heart.”

“Who had that kind of knowledge?”

“Sandusky did for sure. I don’t know. Maybe he told someone.”

“Maybe you did him in Louis.”

“Let’s not go backwards, detective. I can tell you this. Whoever did the deed really understood the equipment. I was able to look at the settings later and not only was the power turned off, but the person had calibrated the exact amount of wave to pulverize the heart.”

“Who knows how to do that?”

“Guess.”

“Sandusky?”

“Yup.”

“Who else?”

“Me.”

Tuesday – Anything Possible – Short Story

November 6, 2018November 5, 2018 ~ John W. Howell ~ 51 Comments

“Hush. Bailey’s asleep.”
“Just resting my eyes Lucy.”

As you may know, Keith Channing has taken the month of November to craft another Na-No-Wri-Mo 50,000 word novel. Therefore I am promptless for Tuesday. Since I have titled this day as anything possible, I thought I would offer a short story. This story is based on an actual incident at our local store where the ending was not so gracious. Needless to say, I was taken back by the lack of customer service.

A request by John W. Howell

“Excuse me.”

“Yes?”

“I see you are out of ham puree baby food.”

“Yeah, so?”

“I wonder if you could order some.”

“The truck comes in on Saturday.”

“Could you check to see if you ordered some more. You see my dog is very ill and she likes the ham variety. It is the only thing I can get her to eat.”

“Pet food is on aisle six.”

“I know that. I’m asking you to go into the office and look at the order book to see if anyone ordered the ham puree baby food.”

“Didn’t you say it was for your dog?”

“I did.”

“So why don’t you just buy the dog food and let it go at that.”

“I told you. The ham variety of baby food is the only thing she will eat.”

“I don’t have time to check right now. I’m sure it is ordered.”

“I bought the last twelve jars last Friday, and no more have come in.”

“See that’s the problem. We order on Wednesday, and so the truck will be here Saturday.”

“Please check.”

“I told you I don’t have time.”

“Can you make time?”

“For who? You?”

“No. Why don’t you do it because it is the right and proper thing for one human to do for another. You are human, aren’t you?

“I think I can find the time.”

“Perfect.”

Top Ten Things Not to Do entering King Tutankhamen’s Tomb in 1922

November 5, 2018November 4, 2018 ~ John W. Howell ~ 57 Comments

This post is a continuation of the Top Ten Things Not to Do with a historical background. In 1922, the entrance to King Tutankhamen’s tomb was discovered in Egypt.

Top Ten Things Not to Do if You Are Entering King Tut’s Tomb.

10 If you are entering King Tut’s tomb, do not ignore the curse written on the main door. If you do, at best it is just a practical joke. At worst, that look in the mirror ten days later will give you a hint you should have paid attention. (That dry skin mummy look is trying to give you a head’s up to a problem, Faer. Better contact a shaman quickly.)

9 If you are entering King Tut’s tomb, do not disturb that cloth wrapped hulk with the WWF champion belt. If you do, at best it is just a statue. At worst, the spirit of Tiny the WWF champ has been waiting centuries to body slam an opponent. (Well, you woke it up, Fagen. I think you should start looking for a soft landing spot.)

8 If you are entering King Tut’s tomb, do not try any of the preserved food in those gold pots. If you do, at best the food will be dust. At worse, those pickles will have a monumental repeat factor. (Stay close to the facilities, Faine. You just never know.)

7 If you are entering King Tut’s tomb, do not sit on any of the furniture. If you do, at best you’ll pick a solid piece. At worst, you’ll sit in a 4000-year-old chair that has seen better days. ( No need to try putting it back together, Fane. That priceless antique is now sawdust, and the curator is preparing a bill for you right now.)

6 If you are entering King Tut’s tomb, do not touch the king’s sarcophagus with your bare hand. If you do, at best a layer of dust will protect the finish. At worst, the oils from your skin will leave a permanent hand print on the priceless relic. (You may need to confess, Faraz. The CSI is now running the print through an identification process which is bound to lead to you.)

5 If you are entering King Tut’s tomb, do not pull any lever that you may come across. If you do, at best the lever is not connected. At worst, the lever is connected to the trap door under your feet. (Falling through the dark is pretty scary huh, Farnham. Wait until you hit bottom.)

4 If you are entering King Tut’s tomb, do not think you can take a souvenir. If you do, at best the security guy will tell you to put it back. At worst, you will get it home only to discover several Boris Karloff types hanging around your bedroom. (Don’t worry about these guys being see-through, Farquhar. At least they can’t hold a knife.)

3 If you are entering King Tut’s tomb, do not forget a flashlight (electric torch). If you do, at best someone else may have one. At worst you’ll try using a cigarette lighter and end up falling in the coffin with the king. (You can stop screaming now, Farren. The king is not holding you down. That cover merely slammed shut .)

2 If you are entering King Tut’s tomb, do not take a selfie with the king. If you do, at best the picture won’t turn out. At worst, when you look at it, the picture will have some other characters in it which you never saw. (I’m not saying the place is haunted, Farrokh but you now have captured the souls of the king”s guards. Good luck with that.)

1 If you are entering King Tut’s tomb, do not bring your big gulp drink inside. If you do, at best it will be gone before you set it down. At worst, you will set it where someone will knock it over into the King’s sarcophagus. (History records some unknown substance all over the king, Fars. Your secret is safe with us.)

Views of the Neighborhood – Fall Camping

November 4, 2018November 3, 2018 ~ John W. Howell ~ 59 Comments

A slow week in the neighborhood so I thought I would go out on the beach and take a look at the different kinds of equipment folks are using for fall camping. It was a beautiful day, and I hope you enjoy the trip.