Wednesday Story Day – AKA – Hump Day

September 26, 2018September 25, 2018 ~ John W. Howell ~ 42 Comments

Lucy, Bailey, Twiggy — “Anyone know what day it is?”
“Yup, Wednesday.”
“Wake me on Friday.”

It is Wednesday Story Day again, and last week Andrew got a call from a firm that had the equipment that could be used to pulverize a heart. A meeting was set up for 3:00 but Andrew had a feeling the guy on the phone didn’t know too much about the process. Andrew felt the guy was a banker who led him to the conclusion that the company was bankrupt. Larry and Andrew went off to have some lunch and then visit the company. I see they are out front of what looks like a warehouse. Larry is hauling an anchor which is the item of subterfuge to get a demonstration of the machine capabilities. We better get over there.

“Jumping gee Josaphat this thing is heavy.”

“Yeah, I wish I could help, but my back is killing me.”

“It might also be that second bowl of chowder. Which I suspect you wouldn’t have had if you were picking up the tab.”

“I explained that I forgot my wallet. I’ll get the next one.”

“Seems I hear that a lot.”

“I mean it.”

“Yeah, okay. Look at this building. Looks like something out of the forties. Did Dixon say where to meet him?”

“No. I suppose we might as well go inside. Follow me.”

“Slow down. Hold the door will ya.”

“Wow look at this place. Hello anyone here?”

“I think there must be a coat of rust on everything. I’m going to leave this anchor by the door.”

“Gentlemen. Welcome to Gault Industries.”

“Are you Mr. Dixon?”

“I sure am. You can call me Ned.”

“Okay, Ned. My name is Andrew, and this is Larry. As we outlined in our ad, we were wondering if we could take a look at your descaling operation and see if your firm might have the capability to do some work for us.”

“We would be delighted to help you in any way we can. Your ad mentioned an anchor. Are you all in the salvage business?”

“Why yes, we are. We have a deep diving business, and we will need a safe way to clean some of the items we bring up. In fact, we brought the anchor to test the equipment.”

“I have to tell you that I’m not very familiar with the equipment. I work for the bank that holds the mortgage on this building.”

“Let me guess. The owners haven’t been keeping up with their payments.’

“Correct. But we still have some qualified people who can work with you to give you what you need.”

“Is there anyone around who can do a demo today?”

“Andrew is it? Yes, there is a technician here today. I’ll call him as soon as we are ready.”

“And if we decide to use this company, how do we know the work will get done?”

“You have the assurance of the First Source Bank and Trust.”

“Okay good enough for me. Call the technician. We should get this demo done.”

“You won’t be sorry. Hold on I need to give him a call.”

“In the meantime, Larry why don’t you fetch the anchor.”

“In the meantime, Andrew, I’m sure the tech will figure out how to do that.”

“Okay, gentlemen. The tech will be here shortly.”

“How long has this guy been working here.”

“Louis has been here twelve years, Larry.”

“Twelve years? Excellent.”

Tuesday – Anything Possible – Kreative Kue by Keith Channing

September 25, 2018September 25, 2018 ~ John W. Howell ~ 42 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, with links to your own blog or web site, next Monday.”

The Photo.

Top Ten Things Not to Do Working on the First Transcontinental Railroad in 1869

September 24, 2018September 23, 2018 ~ John W. Howell ~ 52 Comments

More of the historical backdrop for this set of Top Ten Things Not to Do. The Top Ten Things Not to Do Working on the First Transcontinental Railroad in 1869

10. If you are working on the first transcontinental railroad, do not forget to double-check your measurements. If you do, at best you can correct any mistakes before the East meets West. At worst, the Westbound group will be in Promontory Summit, Utah, and your Eastbound group will end up in Provo. (You only missed the union by a few hundred miles, Ferris. Maybe you can cut over before the three-foot snows.)

9 If you are working on the first transcontinental railroad, do not borrow Tiny the WWF champ’s sledge-hammer. If you do, at best Tiny will not know you have it. At worst, Tiny has been seeking help for his inability to let things go but has not covered the part dealing with possessions. (If you can, Forest, I would sneak that hammer back into Tiny’s tent since it looks like he is in stage ten of a meltdown looking for it.)

8 If you are working on the first transcontinental railroad, do not forget your gloves. If you do, at best you might be able to buy a pair. At worst, you will be using a shovel to dig out the rail bed for twelve hours a day. (It might be a good idea to get those hands wrapped somehow, Fredrik. Otherwise, I think you may be out of a job.)

7 If you are working on the first transcontinental railroad, do not light up your cigar as you are pouring gunpowder into the blasting holes. If you do, at best the wind will save you. At worst, you will get a lesson in flight long before the Wright brothers. (That ringing in your ears means you are lucky to be here, Fakhir.)

6 If you are working on the first transcontinental railroad, do not complain about the food. If you do, at best no one will listen. At worst, the cook, who is a graduate of the Culinary Institute, has a huge knife and very tender feelings. (I think it might be time to try out those new running shoes, Flint. I don’t think an apology is going to work this time.)

5 If you are working on the first transcontinental railroad, do not decide to sleep out on the prairie even though the stars are beautiful at night. If you do, at best the mosquitoes will drive you back to camp. At worst, your slumber will be disturbed by growling noises you never heard before. (Those are wolves, Finnigan. Playing possum is to going to help. I would get up and run screaming back to camp.)

4 If you are working on the first transcontinental railroad, I would not try to introduce smores at the nightly campfire. If you do, at best your fellow workers won’t pay attention. At worst, you won’t have enough to go around, and the resulting riot will get you fired. (Now that you are way out here, Findlay, how you going to get back to San Francisco?)

3 If you are working on the first transcontinental railroad, do not start singing, “I’ve Been Working on the Railroad.” If you do at best, you won’t remember the words and will stop. At worst, you’ll get to the part about Dina blowing her horn, and the rest of the workers will want to know who Dina is. (Looks like you have a credibility problem, Flynn. Everyone wants to meet Dina. You better figure out who is going to play Dina.)

2 If you are working on the first transcontinental railroad, do not think you can organize a union of workers. If you do, at best your boss will stop you before you get too far. At worst, the railroad company and the government will escort you off the job and on to a buckboard heading back to civilization. (I guess no one told you, Fabian, that this was going to be dangerous, unsafe, hard work, and you would only get minimum wage.)

1 If you are working on the first transcontinental railroad, do not party too hard after the last spike is driven. If you do, at best you will have a killer headache the next day. At worst, you might miss the train back to your city. (Well, Fachnan, it looks like you might be asking the local tribe of native Americans if they have room for a blood brother. Don’t be too surprised if they are less than friendly. You just finished a railroad through their land without their permission.)

Views of the Neighborhood – Fishing in Port A

September 23, 2018September 22, 2018 ~ John W. Howell ~ 59 Comments

I have to admit the activity list was a little sparse this week. There was one event worth noting. It was the Hook ’em and Book ’em Bay and Surf Fishing Tournament. This one benefits the Port Aransas Police Foundation and the Police Department.

Here is a shot of the trophies for the winners.

There is also a sponsor list.

At first, I thought maybe I could win a police pick-up truck, but found out it was a display only.

This tournament has fisher folks out in the bays and along the beaches. The participants were not due back until way later, and I had a Kansas and WVU football game to watch, so I thought I would take some photos of people fishing off the piers at Robert’s Point Park.

Here is a person contemplating the best time to throw the bait net.

A man and his dog.

Poles placed in the concrete niches.

A boy and his fishing rods.

A dad and his boys fishing next to the pier.

Stream of Consciousness Saturday – Prompt Flower/Flour

September 22, 2018September 21, 2018 ~ John W. Howell ~ 56 Comments

It is Stream of Consciousness Saturday again and this week’s prompt is “flower/flour. Linda Hill says we can use one or both but in any case “have fun.” I think I can do that. If you would like to join in go to Linda’s blog and read how easy it is. Here is the link. https://lindaghill.com/2018/09/21/the-friday-reminder-and-prompt-for-socs-sept-22-18/

“I wonder if you know the difference?”

“What difference?”

“Between flower power and flour power.”

“Sound the same to me.”

“F-l-o-w-e-r power and f-l-o-u-r power.”

“Oh. I’m guessing you have been up the hill to see Linda.”

“Well, there is a prompt going on today.”

“Let me guess. Flower and flour.”

“Right on.”

“Hmmm. A phrase out of the sixties.”

“Which should give you a hint on flower power.”

“I really don’t need a hint. I remember studying the sixties protests very well.”

“So what was flower power?”

“It was not a what but a symbol to end the madness. Folks used the flower as a metaphor for peace. Allen Ginsberg the poet coined the term in 1965 as a symbol for peaceful affirmative action to end the war in Vietnam.”

“My goodness. I didn’t know all that. So what is flour power?”

“Something you made up?”

“Yeah, I did.”

“You tell me what it means.”

“I think it stands for all those cooks out there who make wonderful things to eat out of flour.”

“Okay, so I would say the difference is flower power stands for a movement and flour power stands for skill in baking.”

“Couldn’t have said it better myself.”

“Wish you had.”

“Had what?”

“Said it yourself. You and these prompts will be the end of me someday.”

“Oh come on. You always get engaged.”

“But never married.”

“We still talking about the prompts?”

Friday JohnKu – AKA – TGIF

September 21, 2018September 20, 2018 ~ John W. Howell ~ 52 Comments

“Okay, Twiggy time to get moving it’s Friday”

Another Friday is upon us. Here’s wishing you all a lovely weekend. I was supposed to be in McKinney Texas at a book festival. Unfortunately, there is a lot of rain expected in the area (near Dallas). Rain tends to cut down on attendance, so the event was postponed until next June. I was looking forward to this event but can fully understand the organizer’s need to put it off. It would not be a good thing to have a bunch of authors travel to the location and have no readers show up. Today’s JohnKu talks about change.

Plans for an event,

Change for unforeseen reasons . . .

True disappointment.

Thursday – A Little Personal – Lucy is Worried

September 20, 2018September 19, 2018 ~ John W. Howell ~ 70 Comments

“So Lucy. What’s going on?”

“I’m a little worried, Boss.”

“What about?”

“Baily’s over there rolling around on the grass not paying attention.”

“Paying attention to what?”

“She’s supposed to be watching Twiggy.”

“Now look. She is actually laying down.”

“I’m sure everything is fine.”

“You don’t understand the dangers, Boss. I’m going over there.”

“Bailey. Get up.”

“Gee Lucy. What’s the problem?”

“You’re supposed to be watching Twiggy. That’s the problem.”

“Lucy. She is right behind me. If anything came in here, I would be on it like a duck on a Junebug.”

“Have you done the fence line? Have you scouted the perimeter?”

“Well, no. I see no need.”

“No need? How many coyotes does it take to get over this fence?”

“Okay, I’ll bite. How many?”

“Just one. One is all it would take. How surprised would you be if one jumped in here?”

“Lucy we’ve not had a coyote jump the fence.”

“I’m behind this giant Bird of Paradise where you should be.”

“Oh brother. Twiggy, come closer. I think the sister is going to have a breakdown.”

“All right Bailey. I’m really close now. Lucy don’t you worry.”

“Easy for you two to say. I have real responsibilities around here.”

“And we love you for that, sister dear.”

Wednesday Story Day – AKA – Hump Day

September 19, 2018September 18, 2018 ~ John W. Howell ~ 41 Comments

It is Wednesday Story Day time again, and last week we learned that Larry has been having dreams about his deceased wife. Andrew has some very definite ideas about Larry’s experiences with Gloria which are very rational. Larry tends to think in metaphysical terms since he is convinced he was able to talk to his wife. As they were talking Andrew’s phone rang. Since it could be someone responding to the ad they placed we should get over there and find out who is on the other end.

“Yeah, Hello. Yes, this is the correct number for the ad. You do huh? Hold on let me get a pencil and paper.”

“Who is it?”

“A guy who has a machine big enough to do an anchor. hush, I need to get his name and address.”

“Okay, I’ve got something to write with. Could I get your name? “

“Uh huh.”

“And address? Whoa, slow down.”

“Yup, I think I have it. Can we come over this afternoon and take a look at the equipment?”

“That will be great. Thank you so much for calling.”

“No, I didn’t ask the price. I figured you would have to look at the anchor and then give us a proposal. Does that work for you?”

“Swell see you at three Mr. Dixon. Bye now.”

“Mr. Dixon, huh?”

“I figure it is a phony name, but we can run it just the same.”

“Why phony?”

“I have this gut feeling our Mr. Dixon knows nothing about the equipment and is making the call for someone else.”

“Could it be our killer?”

“Come on Larry. That would be way too easy. No, I think this is a company who had a going business and might be in bankruptcy.”

“You can tell all that from one conversation with a guy and his phony name?”

“He sounded like a banker to me. Just the way he talked. We can run the address and see what pops up. He didn’t tell me the name of the company, and I didn’t ask. I didn’t want to appear to be too knowledgeable.”

“Well, so what you are telling me this will be a dead-end.”

“I wouldn’t say that, Larry. After all, there has to be someone there who is going to scope the work. Who knows maybe that someone will know something.”

“I get this Alice in Wonderland feeling about this whole machine thing.”

“It is a long shot.”

“I think Gloria is going to haunt me tonight.”

“That’s a strange thing to say.”

“She told me to go for the motive and the killer would be found. She did not say to run around town looking for some super pulverizing machine.”

“We both agreed that if we found such a machine, the motive might just pop up.”

“I know. I just don’t want to lose sight of the fact that the motive for blowing up a heart has to be core to this case.”

“Registered detective.”

“So, we have an appointment at three o’clock. Where is it?”

“By the docks of course.”

“Why do you say of course?”

“Have you read any mysteries?”

“Not that I remember.”

“Murders always take place by the docks.”

“Funny I can’t recall a murder by the docks.”

“There is also an excellent café by the wharf that serves killer clam chowder.”

“Let me run the address in the system and get a printout of who supposedly owns the business and then let’s go. I would never turn down a bowl of chowder.”

“A man after my own heart.”

Tuesday – Anything Possible – Kreative Kue #192 by Keith Channing

September 18, 2018September 17, 2018 ~ John W. Howell ~ 51 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, with links to your own blog or web site, next Monday.”

The photo.

“Excuse me, sir.”

“Yes, what is it?”

“I work for the Audubon Dailey News, and we are doing a feature on what birds think.”

“And what does that have to do with me?”

“You a bird?”

“So I’ve been led to believe.”

“Do you think?”

“Contrary to conventional wisdom around bird brains, yes.”

“So how about an interview?”

“On what I think?”

“Yes.”

“About what?”

“Huh?”

“On What do you want me to give my thoughts?”

“Oh. My paper wants to know in general what you think about.”

“Ah. Like when I’m all alone and not being disturbed.”

“Well, that would be interesting.”

The first thing I think about is Why does the sun go on shining?”

“Okay. That is pretty philosophical.”

“Why does the sea rush to shore?”

“Uh huh.”

“Don’t they know it’s the end of the world?
‘Cause you don’t love me anymore.”

“Wait a minute. Those are lyrics to a song.”

“And a lovely song it is. Why do the birds go on singing?

Why do the stars glow above?
Don’t they know it’s the end of the world?
It ended when I lost your love

I wake up in the morning, and I wonder
Why everything’s the same as it was
I can’t understand, no, I can’t understand
How life goes on the way it does

Why does my heart go on beating?
Why do these eyes of mine cry?
Don’t they know it’s the end of the world?
It ended when you said goodbye. Any questions?”

“I should have known you have a little mockingbird in you.”

“By the way. The song is titled The End of the World written by Songwriters: Peter Mcnulty-Connolly / Marcus Mybe / Louie St. Louis / Kurtis Deshaun Williams / Michael Angelo

“Yeah well, forget it.”

Top Ten Things Not to Do Crossing the Delaware with General Washington

September 17, 2018September 16, 2018 ~ John W. Howell ~ 54 Comments

Washington Crossing the Delaware By George Caleb Bingham – http://www.chrysler.org/education/unit1/bingham.htm, Public Domain

This list continues with the historical backdrop for my brand of lunacy. I hope you enjoy it.

10 If you are crossing the Delaware with General Washington, do not dangle your feet in the water off the back of the boat. If you do, at best they will be numb. At worst, the General will think you have lost touch with reality. (Looks like you may be sidelined for the big event, Frasco. Although you may want to avoid the battle, your pay envelope will be much thinner.)

9 If you are crossing the Delaware with General Washington, don’t try to sit in Tiny the WWF champ’s seat next to the General. If you do, at best you might be swimming across the Delaware. At worst, Tiny who has formed a bond with General Washington may take your move as a sign of affection for the General. (Since Tiny failed the “Unrequited Love and How to Cope,” seminar he now thinks a knuckle sandwich is an answer. Just jump out, Fredek. It will be easier in the long run.)

8 If you are crossing the Delaware with General Washington, do not think wearing boat shoes from L.L.Bean will impress your fellow soldiers. If you do, at best you’ll get a new nickname. At worst, a Master Sargeant will put you on report for being out of uniform. (Of course, one more on-report isn’t going to break you, Freyr. You have come to like peeling potatoes.)

7 If you are crossing the Delaware with General Washington, do not start singing “row row row your boat.” If you do, at best a few might join in. At worst, the General will single you out and threaten you with the stockade if you don’t quit making noise. (Looks like Georgie thinks you might be a British spy, Fridolf. I think quiet is the better part of this equation.)

6 If you are crossing the Delaware with General Washington, do not bring your fishing equipment. If you do, at best you might catch dinner. At worst, the General will ask you to keep fishing until you have caught enough to feed the Continental Army. (Holy cow, Frygies. That is a lot of fish. We’ll come back for you.)

5 If you are crossing the Delaware with General Washington, do not ask if dinner at the captain’s table is a formal affair. If you do, at best no one will understand your question. At worst, you’ll be reminded that you are on a rowboat and there is no captain’s table, and someone will hand you the flag. (You know that the flag goes in the front of the charge don’t you, Fryderyk. Yeah, that’s right, up front where all those bullets and flying cannon balls are.)

4 If you are crossing the Delaware with General Washington, do not let anyone know you get seasick. If you do, at best some will be sympathetic. At worst, the old salt will continually describe in minute detail the roast pork dinner he had last night. ( If you can just hang on little longer, Francis the shore is not too far away.)

3 If you are crossing the Delaware with General Washington, do not begin humming and old German tune. If you do, at best you’ll keep the volume down. At worst, since you are on your way to attacking the Hessians in Trenton, the General might think you are mocking the mission. (Washington is not sure this whole thing will work, Finn so I would lay low if I were you. That water is certainly cold.)

2 If you are crossing the Delaware with General Washington, do not mention that your enlistment in the army expires at midnight. If you do, at best, you’ll get a so what? At worst, someone will take your musket and shot, and you’ll be defenseless when you reach the shore. (Better offer to reenlist, Fabian. Otherwise, you are going to be pretty uncomfortable dodging shot from both sides.)

1 If you are crossing the Delaware with General Washington, do not stand up in the boat and start singing “Old Man River.” If you do, at best you’ll be ordered to sit and be quiet. At worst, you will finish your song while trying to keep your head above water. (Looks like the General has just about had enough of the stand-up comedy, Floyd. Hopefully another boat will scoop you up.)