Stream of Consciousness Saturday – Prompt – Digest.

November 24, 2018November 23, 2018 ~ John W. Howell ~ 48 Comments

It is Stream of Consciousness Saturday time again and this weeks prompt is “digest.” Linda Hill says we can use it any way we want. If you would like to join this band of happy souls, go to Linda’s blog and read how. Here is the link. https://lindaghill.com/2018/11/23/the-friday-reminder-and-prompt-for-socs-nov-24-18/

“Wow am I full.”

“Not surprising since you ate enough to feed a family of five.”

“Let me digest for a minute before hauling out the lecture material.”

“I just don’t understand how you can put away that much food.”

“Easy. Open mouth, insert food.”

“You know very well what I mean.”

“Okay, the lecture is about to begin. Give me the Reader’s Digest version if you don’t mind.”

“I’m just glad we didn’t have any guests to witness this scene.”

“Alright, that is about all I can handle. This is Thanksgiving. You’re supposed to eat a lot.”

“By a lot are you talking about four servings?”

“Well, if that’s what it takes to be thankful.”

“What about the children?”

“What about them?”

“Do you think you set a good example.”

“I don’t think they even noticed. Look at them playing over there.”

“You going to help me clean up?”

“What’s to clean up?”

“You know how these carcasses attract hyenas. I hate those things. They are always laughing and at who knows what. Gives me the creeps.”

“Darling you know I’m king of the jungle, and no damn hyena’s going to mess with me. Just so you can rest easy, I’ll drag these Zebra leftovers into the underbrush. Might be good for a snack later.”

“How can you even think of a snack.”

“Don’t you have a gazelle to chase down or something.”

“You watch the cubs. I’ll be back in a flash.”

“Take your time. I’ve got a wildebeest game to watch.”

Friday JohnKu – AKA – TGIF

November 23, 2018November 22, 2018 ~ John W. Howell ~ 69 Comments

Lucy and Bailey — “Uh, Lucy. It’s Friday. Time to get up and party.”

Black Friday has physically arrived. It has been preceded by virtual black Fridays since the fourth of July (Obvious exaggeration). This is the only day of the year where you can save tons of money by spending tons of money. (only in America is this possible)

Today’s JohnKu explores this phenomenon. I hope you have a super weekend

Invest your money,

In gifts, toys, appliances . . .

Think of what you saved.

Thursday – A Little Personal – Happy Thanksgiving

November 22, 2018November 21, 2018 ~ John W. Howell ~ 67 Comments

Only one thing to say today.

“From our kitchen to your kitchen, Happy Thanksgiving. With love, Lucy, Bailey, Twiggy.”

Wednesday Story Day – AKA – Hump Day

November 21, 2018November 20, 2018 ~ John W. Howell ~ 47 Comments

Lucy, Twiggy, and Bailey — “I tried to wake Lucy and Bailey but they told me to come back on Friday”

It is Wednesday Story Day again. Last week Andrew made a surprise suggestion that he and Larry consult with the fortune-teller to see if they can discover additional suspects. Andrew seems to have bought into the fact that Gloria (Larry’s deceased wife) might be a good source of information. I see Larry and Andrew going into the fortune teller’s shop now. We need to go there.

“My goodness, Larry. You didn’t tell me the shop was on this side of town.”

“Would it have made a difference?”

“No, but I could have brought something to protect myself.”

“Hello? You are aware that detectives carry weapons, right?”

“Yes, of course. I am more comfortable handling my own defense methods.”

“You know, Andrew, sometimes you are a pain.”

“Been told that before, Larry.”

“Why look at the two handsome men who have ventured into my shop.”

“Hello, Ms. Lee.”

“Hi, Larry. Please call me Micki. Who is this handsome, senior statesman with you?”

“My name is Andrew, and I must say you have brightened an old man’s day.”

“You know that in China, mature men are revered for their knowledge.”

‘So, I’ve heard. Unfortunately, we are not in China.”

“In my shop, you might as well be,”

“Excuse me.”

“Yes, Larry?”

“If you two are quite finished with this whatever it is you are doing, I would like to reach Gloria.”

“Well, Andrew. Looks like the adult has arrived. I guess I had better get to work.”

“I did enjoy the interlude, Ms. Lee.”

“Maybe after I finish with old grumpy face here, you and I could step out for tea. Better yet, old grumpy face can step out, and I could show you my ancient Chinese art collection along with some tea.”

“I’m sure your collection is quite lovely.”

“I can see you know the right things to say, Andrew. Now follow me to my back room. You too, Larry.”

“Right behind you, Micki.”

“So, have a seat and let me see if Gloria is in the mood to talk. Close your eyes, Larry. Concentrate. Do you remember how we contacted Gloria last time?”

“Yes, I sang the G-L-O-R-I-A song. Should I do that again.”

“No. Just think of the song in your head. Gloria can hear it.”

“Even if it is in his head, he is still off-key.”

“Oh my God. Gloria is that you?”

“Yes, Larry. I’m here.”

“I’m going to cry again.”

“Please, Larry. You don’t need to do that. I’m fine.”

“He might be crying for himself, Gloria. He misses you so much.”

“I know that, Micki. It does make me sad though.”

“You two know I’m here, right?”

“Yes, Larry, dear. We know.”

Tuesday – Anything Possible – Finger Point Prompt

November 20, 2018November 19, 2018 ~ John W. Howell ~ 33 Comments

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 am opening The Investigators by W.E.B. Griffin to page 187. I point my finger and land on the sentence, “Will somebody be coming back?”

“This is for your own good.”

“Yeah, where have I heard that before?”

“I’m serious. The government has spent a lot of money customizing your punishment.”

“All I did was borrow a few funds. I was going to pay them back.”

“Unfortunately you didn’t quite get around to that part did you?”

“Well, if I hadn’t been arrested I could have earned enough to pay everyone.”

“Earned you say? Don’t you mean to steal from others to pay the oldest debts?”

“Aw come on. That’s a Ponzi scheme, and I had nothing to do with that kind of scam.”

“No, your scam was much purer. You just took people’s money with no intention of paying them.”

“So what do you care. You are just a jailer is all.”

“I think you missed the point that the judge was trying to make.”

“I guess so. Just what point was that?”

“The judge felt you needed some time alone to contemplate the seriousness of your crimes.”

“Ha. So he made you my conscience?”

“I think your conscience is your own.”

“What do you mean?”

“How long have you been separated from human contact?”

“You must be crazy. We just got to this God-forsaken island. We just crossed that body of water.”

“Just? Think about it?”

“Aw, none of your holier than thou mind games now. We just got here.”

“Do you have a calendar?”

“Yeah, that was part of my supply kit issued back at the prison.”

“Look at it.”

“Why? It’s blank.”

“You sure?”

“Alright to make you happy I’ll look. Wait, what year is it?”

“2156.”

“That’s what this calendar says. It’s wrong. We got here today and the year is 2119.”

“Look at the days you marked off.”

“There are thousands.”

“Yes, there are. It is time for me to go.”

“No, don’t go.”

“I must. You now are aware. You must make peace with your destiny.”

“Will somebody be coming back? Hey, wait. Hello. You still here?”

Top Ten Things Not to Do When William Tell Shot the Apple Off His Son’s Head in 1307

November 19, 2018November 18, 2018 ~ John W. Howell ~ 54 Comments

This post continues the historical backdrop for the Top Ten Things Not to Do. Yesterday was the anniversary of William Tell purportedly shooting the apple off his son’s head in 1307. If you were there at the time, there are ten things that you should take care not to do.

10 At William Tell’s archery challenge, do not sneeze at the critical point when he takes aim. If you do, at best William will bless you with a Gesundheit. At worst, your sneeze will throw him off, and you will be the next in line for the apple shot. (Lucky for you he missed his son’s head, Flavien. Now it is your turn, and William looks very angry.)

9 At William Tell’s archery challenge, do not ask Tiny the WWF champ to stand in for you. If you do, at best Tiny will eat your apple. At worst, Tiny who just left his veterans of the apple shot near miss support group will be traumatized by the offer. (Tiny works out his trauma by doing body slams, Florian. I think you better start looking for a soft place to land.

8 At William Tell’s archery challenge do not start humming the William Tell Overture. If you do, at best someone will like the tune. At worst, you may be accused of being a warlock since Rossini did not write it until 1829. (A couple of dips in the dunking chair will help clear that music out of your head, Florian. Can’t imagine why you would give in to an earworm anyway.)

7 At William Tell’s archery challenge, do not fail to bow in respect to the hat that the newly appointed Austrian Vogt, Albrecht Gessler, has placed on a pole. If you do, at best no one will see you not bow. At worst, you will be arrested for not doing the same thing William Tell did not do. ( I hope you know how to shoot a crossbow, Fonzo. It looks like you have to hit a crabapple off of Tiny’s head. If you miss Tiny is going to be very upset. Especially if you hit him.)

6 At William Tell’s archery challenge, do not wear your Austrians Suck t-shirt. If you do, at best the Austrians will think you are joking. At worst, the Austrians will think you are a leader of the Swiss independence movement. (Now you’ve done it, Forseti. The next time you see daylight, it will be at your hanging. Enjoy the brief view.)

5 At William Tell’s archery challenge, do not open a stand and begin selling swiss chocolate. If you do, at best the Austrians will like the chocolate. At worst, your chocolate will be declared contraband and you a revolutionary. ( I told you to stick with Speckknödel, Francesco. Now look at the fine kettle of fish you’ve gotten yourself into.)

4 At William Tell’s archery challenge, do not ask William for his autograph. If you do, at best he will blow you off. At worst he might give you to the count of five to see if you can outrun a crossbow bolt. (Don’t forget, Frandscus, William just shot the apple off his son’s head. I don’t think he thinks of himself as a hero.)

3 At William Tell’s archery challenge, do not offer William a contract to take his apple shooting show on the road. If you do, at best William will be in a good mood and ignore you. At worst, William will sign the agreement with the understanding that you will have the apple on your head. (Well a contract is a contract, Frannsaidh. Looks like you are signed up for a thirty city tour or one depending.)

2 At William Tell’s archery challenge, do not start selling T-Shirts that say I’m the Apple of my Daddy’s Eye. If you do, at best William won’t see them. At worst, William’s sense of humor will have hit an all-time low and your T-shirts pushed him over the edge. (Looks like those shirts are going to make a nice bonfire, Franziskus.)

1 At William Tell’s archery challenge, do not start taking odds on whether William will hit the apple or his son. If you do, at best no one will tell him. At worst, William will find out what your activities and come looking for you. (I would stay under that table, Frazier. I don’t think you want to explain yourself right now.)

Views of the Neighborhood – Check In To Paradise Pond

November 18, 2018November 17, 2018 ~ John W. Howell ~ 46 Comments

While community events are in a lull, I thought it might be a good idea to check in with The Paradise Pond to see how the Hurricane Harvey recovery efforts are progressing. It looks like the pond is making a nice recover except for the black willow trees.

Nice new sign

The vegetation has returned.

Bird sightings have returned. (Note the sighting of grilled chicken)

Funding for the recovery supplied by the Texas Ornithological Society.

This sign informs about the Saturday Bird Walk which happens each Saturday.

A statement of the recovery plan which concentrates on native plant replacement

Can see the black willows that have died as a result of the salt water.

You can see the lack of tree canopy over the pond. The replacement of the canopy is a priority.

Another shot of the absence of a canopy.

This grackle followed me around, so I decided to make him a portrait.

Hard to see but many new tree plantings.

Native plants returning.

Grasses

A lot of green

I could not help take this shot of Mrs. Woodys auto repair shop on the way back from Paradise Pond. Pink is the new olive drab

Stream of Consciousness Saturday – Prompt “Roll/Role

November 17, 2018November 16, 2018 ~ John W. Howell ~ 52 Comments

It is Saturday Stream of Consciousness time again. This weeks prompt is “roll/role. Linda Hill says we can use one or both. I’ll go ahead and use both thank you. If you would like to join in, visit Linda’s blog and read how. Here is the link

“Don’t bogart that joint, my friend. Pass it over to me.”

“Okay, what’s going on now.”

“I remember that song from the movie Easy Rider.”

“I’m surprised you can remember the movie let alone the song.”

“Roll another one. Just like the other one.”

“I get it you remember the song.”

“Yeah, and I loved that movie.”

“Why so?”

“Jack Nicholson had the best role.”

“What made it so good for you.”

“He was such a character. A drunk lawyer. Made me laugh.”

“You have a motorcycle?”

“No. Never did. I borrowed a friend’s once.”

“I think there is a story here.”

“Yeah. I did a neat roll in time to miss a truck that slammed on his brakes.”

“Lucky you weren’t killed.”

“Made me think twice about buying one for myself.”

“Sounds like you bought one for someone else.”

“Yeah, My friend. I totaled his.”

“Ouch.”

“Wanna see my roll scars?”

“No that is a voyeur role I want to avoid.”

Friday JohnKu – AKA – TGIF

November 16, 2018November 15, 2018 ~ John W. Howell ~ 62 Comments

It is Friday and time to start preparing for the weekend. This is the last Friday before Thanksgiving. It is hard to believe the holidays are on us already. I’m not sure if we are ready or not. I guess there really is no choice since the day comes around and ready or not it will be Thanksgiving.

We have had another pretty challenging week with Bailey. She has had some difficulty with nausea. We have some new medicine, and so far it looks like it is working. Bailey, bless her heart, does not like to take medication. We have to grind pills and then get some media that she will accept. She used to take her medicine in baby food. Now she is on to us. The only way she will take it is in a suspension that I give her by syringe. No needle, just the syringe into the mouth behind the molars. Even as I write she has decided to keep a clamped jar. Well probably TMI, but all in all, Bailey is hold ing her own.

Thanks to everyone who has offered such kind words of support. Those words do help.

Today’s JohnKu talks about what words can do. I hope you have a lovely weekend.

Words can encourage,

When all seems dark and hopeless . . .

Kind thoughts work wonders.