Friday John Ku – AKA – TGIF

April 13, 2018April 12, 2018 ~ John W. Howell ~ 73 Comments

Friday has arrived once more. Given the way the stock market has been behaving, I have one more reason to love Friday. It is the eve of two days where the idiots of Wall Street have to be content with no trades. So, no matter what Trump Tweets, or what Congress does not decide, or who Syria decides to murder, the market stays where it is for two blessed days.

When we decide to give up our day jobs things like market volatility take on a new perspective. While working, any drops in the market can be viewed as an “oh well,” situation. While retired, such declines are accompanied by a nitro-glycerin capsule under the tongue. Sage advice is to think in long-term concepts both for those still working and retired folks. That is good advice to follow as long as there is still some lifeline in the long-term.

Today’s JohnKu talks about stability. I hope you have a great weekend.

Steady as she goes,

Is good for the heart and soul . . .

Chaos takes its toll.

Thursday – A Little Personal – Twiggy, Lucy, and Bailey Playtime

April 12, 2018April 11, 2018 ~ John W. Howell ~ 96 Comments

“Okay, Dad. Mom got me this terrific toy, and I wonder if Lucy and Bailey want to play.”

“Well, let’s just go up and see.”

“Hey, Boss. What’s this thing you dropped on the floor.”

“That is Frenchie Vanilla. Twiggy’s toy.”

“Frenchie Vanilla, Pops? Pretty cute I would say.”

“Yes, and Twiggy wants to know if you want to play?”

“Woah. Here she comes. You mean play with her don’t, you? Excuse me I gotta dash.”

“Yes, that is exactly what I mean you big chicken.”

“I can play from up here, Pops.”

“I don’t know, Baily. She looks pretty much fun.”

“Hey, Lucy. Got you on the butt. You’re it.”

“Yeah. A lot of fun, Lucy.”

“Okay, Lucy. Bet I can make you blink.”

“Not me, little stuff. I come from a long line of non-blinkers.”

“See, little one. Made you blink.”

“Okay, you win. What’s with Bailey and the couch?”

“She likes her playmates to be a bit bigger. She doesn’t want to hurt you is all.”

“Is that the truth, Dad?”

“I think so, Twiggy. Lucy would know better than me. Go play with her.”

“So Lucy. Want to play hide and seek?”

“Sure. You go hide.”

“How about you Bailey. I’ll be ‘it’ if you want.”

“Well, Twiggy. You promise not to get underfoot?”

“Sure I promise. I’ll spit in my paw and kiss this cover so you know I’m sincere.”

“Good enough for me. Come on Lucy. Let’s go hide. Twiggy count to twenty.”

“One, Two, uh three. Hey Dad.”

“Yes, Twiggy?”

“What comes after three?”

“I think I would sing ‘rock a bye baby’ instead.”

Wednesday Story Day – AKA – Hump Day

April 11, 2018April 10, 2018 ~ John W. Howell ~ 48 Comments

Thank heavens it’s Wednesday. Twiggy’s all in.

Wednesday Story day again and last we were somewhat mortified to know that Trish Severide and Jason McDonnell have been carrying on an affair. They thought it was all a secret until Frank Plano openly asked Trish about it. She immediately went to Jason to complain about his telling Frank. To her surprise, Jason had not said a word. So the plot, stew, soup, oatmeal, milkshake or whatever descriptor you want to pick, thickens. I see Jason just hung up the phone and Frank is sitting in the outer office. This scene may give Dan Antion (the namesake for the town of Antion, Illinois) some badly needed information which may help him get out of that neck brace. Let’s go.

“Frank. Come on in. Have a seat.”
“I was just around the corner when you called. What’s up?”
“Guess who just left here in a fit of pique.”
“Fit of pique? What does that mean?”
“Sorry. Old time expression. With her panties in a wad. How’s that?”
“I’m sure I don’t know for sure, but I could guess, Trish.”
“And why do you suppose she was so upset?”
“Um. Cause I mentioned, she was having sex with you.”
“Correctamundo, Frank. What the hell are you trying to do anyway?”
“Me? I’m not the one having sex with her. I could ask you the same question.”
“Yes you could but see the difference is you work for me not the other way around.”
“Okay, now that you played the boss card. What’s next. Huh, boss?”
“I would like to know how you found out Trish and I were having an affair.”
“I don’t think you’ll buy the little birdie story.”
“Knock it off, Frank. This is not a laughing matter.”
“Boss. Uh, may I call you boss? You must know I can’t divulge my sources. I gave them assurance that the information was safe with me.”
“I don’t give a rip about your assurances. I want to know who tipped you off?”
“Let’s just say when you go out-of-town to have some yum yum with a woman who has a reputation, there are folks who notice.”
“Out of town? What the hell are you talking about?”
“Did you not go to Kenosha for one of your love fests?”
“Um. Let me think. Why, yes. Yes, we did. That was weeks ago.”
“Must have made an impression on the poor soul who witnessed a lawyer falling all over a client much to the violation of the code of ethics.”
“Okay, now that sounds like a threat.”
“Settle down, boss. You have much more to worry about than me turning you in to the State Bar.”
“What do you mean?”
“There is a guy in Kenosha who will swear you were in the Severide house the night they were killed.”
“Bullshit. That’s a bald-faced lie.”
“Is it, boss? Is it?

Tuesday – Anything Possible – Kreative Kue # 168 by Keith Channing

April 10, 2018April 9, 2018 ~ John W. Howell ~ 41 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 – pingbacks don’t often work.

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.

The Hike by John W. Howell © 2108

“Okay, you guys. We need to take a break.”

“Gee, dad we just got started.”

“Well, we have been hiking for an hour, so we need to rest.”

“Aw come on Randy. Give pop a break. He’s getting older now and needs his rest.”

“Very funny, Joe. I think we need to conserve our energy is all.”

“You bring any snacks?”

“Yes, Randy. I brought some trail mix to munch on. It’s way too early for that though. We just had breakfast.”

“I was just checking.”

“So, pop what are we going to see today?”

“I’m glad you asked, Joe. Here is a booklet of the kinds of things we should see.”

“Awesome. Are you sure all of these are in this area.”

“Well, I can’t guarantee every one of those, but hopefully we will see a lot of them.”

“Let me look, Joe.”

“Here you go, little guy.”

“Wow. I can’t wait to get going again.”

“You guys know we have to be very quiet if we are going to spot them.”

“We know dad. Trying to keep pipsqueak quiet might be a chore.”

“I’m not a pipsqueak. Did we bring a camera?”

“Yes, Randy. We have a camera. Okay, guys, before we begin, let’s go over a couple of rules.”

“Aw, dad. We don’t need rules.”

“Quiet Randy. Let pop explain.”

“Thank you, Joe. Okay, here they are. Short and simple. Try not to make any noise. Don’t move when we get near them. This one is the most important. Do not run if they come toward us. Just hold still. Any questions?”

“I can’t wait.”

“Which is your favorite Randy?”

“I think I like the Rapters best.”

“I have to go for good old T-Rex. Those teeth. Massive.”

“Okay, boys. Let’s go.”

Top Ten Things Not to Do If You Are Hanging Out With a Vampire – Book Launch by Charles E. Yallowitz

April 9, 2018April 7, 2018 ~ John W. Howell ~ 80 Comments

In celebration of the launch of War of Nytefall, I invited Charles to take over the Top Ten duties for today. Also, it is Charles’ birthday so today is very special. Without delay, I give you Charles E. Yallowitz.

A big thanks to John, especially for letting me do one of his famous ‘Top 10’ lists in order to promote my new book. Since my latest fantasy adventure series, War of Nytefall: Loyalty, revolves around vampires, we’re going to go over some warnings to keep in mind. (For fun, check out the opposing list on My Train of Thoughts On . . .)

If you are hanging out with a vampire, do not try to invite them to brunch. If you do, at best they’ll be a Dawn Fang and say they aren’t hungry. At worst, you will end up eating across from a pile of ashes and be asked to leave since it’s a non-smoking establishment. (You didn’t even get your third mimosa!)
If you are hanging out with a vampire, do not show off your crucifix collection. If you do, at best they’ll run away, and the friendship is over. At worst, they’ll take offense at the pushing of a stereotype and break the cross handed down through the generations over your head. (The time he invited you to a Passover Seder might have been a clue that this wouldn’t work.)
If you are hanging out with a vampire, do not repeatedly ask them if they hang out at high schools. If you do, at best you’ll end up sitting through a long rant about how Joss Whedon and Stephanie Meyers should be sued for defamation of character. At worst, you’ll be stripped naked and put in the nearest school gym locker to see how you like being called a pervert. (What is it with humans and having vampires go after jailbait?)
If you are hanging out with a vampire, do not challenge them to a boxing match. If you do, at best you will be knocked out with one punch and wake up in the hospital. At worst, your head will sail through the window, across the street, and land in the punch bowl of the latest meeting of the ‘Sufferers of Decapitation Nightmares’. (Tiny the WWF Champ never could hold back.)
If you are hanging out with a vampire, do not eat food with tons of garlic. If you do, at best your friend will be a Dawn Fang and politely flick a mint into your mouth. At worst, the vampire goes into anaphylactic shock and ends up in the hospital. (No, doctor, I’m sure this person has a pulse, and it’s the machine that’s wrong.)
If you are hanging out with a vampire, do not take them to the House of Mirrors. If you do, at best they’ll not see their reflection and play pranks on the other people. At worst, they will see their reflection and be violently embarrassed by a large scrap of jogger stuck in their fangs. (It’s hard enough to floss without sword-like teeth stabbing you in the hand.)
If you are hanging out with a vampire, do not talk to them with a corny Dracula accent. If you do, at best they’ll tell you to stop being an idiot. At worst, you’ll learn that Dracula was their uncle and you really shouldn’t make fun of his speech impediment. (Not his fault his fangs were four times larger than that of your average vampire. In fact, most women would say . . . Okay, moving on.)
If you are hanging out with a vampire, do not ask to try what they’re drinking. If you do, at best you’ll get sick and learn your lesson. At worst, you’ll find that you enjoy the taste and go on a feeding frenzy as the ghoulish servant of your new master. (That’s for eating all that garlic. Even a human would have found that stench nauseating.)
If you are hanging out with a vampire, do not tell everyone around that your friend is a blood-drinking creature. If you do, at best people won’t believe you and call the men in white suits. At worst, you’ll find out how many vampire hunters are in the area and be the only one left to explain all the bodies to the cops. (There’s a reason we don’t announce ourselves, Billy!)
If you are hanging out with a vampire, do not insist on watching ‘Blade’ every time you hang out. If you do, at best they’ll say yes. At worst . . . You know what? That’s going to be fine. Even vampires will admit to loving that movie. Just tone down the garlic popcorn this time. (Seriously, do you eat that much to counter a chronic health condition?)

Book Blurb

In the wake of the Great Cataclysm, a new predator will emerge within Windemere’s shadow.

For fifty years, Clyde has remained buried while the rest of the vampires have been battling against their enemies. Only Mab believes that her former partner survived his execution and is determined to bring him back to the city of Nyte. Retrieving the vampiric thief is only the beginning as he comes out of the ground stronger, faster, and demonstrating powers that their kind have never witnessed throughout their ancient history. Thrown into the war, Clyde must be careful to hide his true nature while fighting alongside his old friends. Too bad he is having so much fun that keeping his secret might be furthest from his mind.

Will anyone be ready for the rise of the Dawn Fangs?

Grab your copy of War of Nytefall: Loyalty on Amazon!

Author Info

Charles Yallowitz was born and raised on Long Island, NY, but he has spent most of his life wandering his own imagination in a blissful haze. Occasionally, he would return from this world for the necessities such as food, showers, and Saturday morning cartoons. One day he returned from his imagination and decided he would share his stories with the world. After his wife decided that she was tired of hearing the same stories repeatedly, she convinced him that it would make more sense to follow his dream of being a fantasy author. So, locked within the house under orders to shut up and get to work, Charles brings you Legends of Windemere. He looks forward to sharing all of his stories with you, and his wife is happy he finally has someone else to play with.

Blog: www.legendsofwindemere.com
Twitter: @cyallowitz
Facebook: Charles Yallowitz
Website: www.charleseyallowitz.com

Views of the Neighborhood – Wooden Boat Festival

April 8, 2018April 7, 2018 ~ John W. Howell ~ 68 Comments

This weekend is the Wooden Boat Festival. The business is all things wooden and boats. I started taking photos on Friday so that you would be able to see the progress of the family boat builders. These folks are building an entire boat over the weekend.

Here we are on Friday at the boat building tent. That big piece of plywood will become the hull.

This shows parts that will be used to build the boat.

This photo shows a group of experts all concentrating on one thing. Building plans you ask? No. How to get the glue opened.

Work is underway.

Here is a shot of the grounds on Friday. The weather was in the high 70’s and beautiful.

Checking in on Saturday we find the boat builders have made real progress.

There are two boats being built. The one in the background can’t be seen in this photo.

Here is another shot of the grounds on Saturday. A front moved in, and the temps are in the 50’s with a feel like in the 40’s. It is also misting rain.

Part of the festival includes a silent auction. Here are some old spikes and charts.

There is also an antique ship’s binnacle available to buy. What’s a binnacle? It houses the compass and other navigational aids and keeps them safe from wind and sea.

There are lectures on many subjects.

Many boats

I like the colors on this sailboat.

Here is a sailboat with an enclosed cockpit. The important thing about the festival is that the boats are made of wood and are constructed by hobbyists.

I hope you enjoyed the wet, chilly, walk.

Stream of Consciousness Saturday – Prompt “Passive /Aggressive”

April 7, 2018April 6, 2018 ~ John W. Howell ~ 54 Comments

Passive/aggressive is part of Stream of Conscious Saturday. Not necessarily behaviors of any of the principles it’s just that today’s prompt is passive/aggressive. There are bonus points for starting the post with either. (Cha-ching) If you would like to participate please visit Linda Hill’s blog and learn how to manage both passive and aggressive prompts. Here is the link. https://lindaghill.com/2018/04/06/the-friday-reminder-and-prompt-for-socs-april-7-18/

“Passive is my mode of dealing with challenges.”

“What are you talking about?”

“I was just getting ready for my support group meeting tonight.”

“What support group meeting?”

“Oh, I didn’t tell you. I have decided I need to talk out some things.”

“And my ears have been cut off I suppose.”

“Now come on. You know you get tired of hearing about all my little quirks.”

“No, I find your quirks as you call them, very endearing.”

“I can’t believe that.”

“Well, it’s true.”

“The fact that I can’t cross the kitchen floor.”

“Endearing.”

“Or can’t stand the tentative nature of living in a house that we don’t own.”

“Endearing.”

“Of wanting to have more babies.”

“Yes, endearing.”

“Of being afraid of aggressive insects.”

“Totally endearing.”

“Being allergic to flies.”

“The most endearing.”

“Afraid of being stepped on.”

“I share that fear and it is endearing.”

“I can’t weave a web.”

“I always help. Endearing.”

“Well, maybe I’m overreacting a bit. I think I need to put my feet down and get a grip.”

“That’s my love. Put all eight down and take a deep breath. I like it when your six eyes are shining. You look so aggressive.”

Friday John Ku – AKA – TGIF

April 6, 2018April 5, 2018 ~ John W. Howell ~ 67 Comments

Another Friday is upon us. I hope your week was good. Ours was fantastic. Our little rescue puppy, Twiggy arrived, and we haven’t been the same since. She is a bundle of energy and has a household of boxers and humans attending to her every whim. Of course, Eight-week-old puppies don’t have many whims. Eat, play, poop, pee, and sleep is about the repertoire. She does love to chase the boxers, and one cannot help laughing out loud at that scene. Two huge dogs running from her as if she just stepped out of an MGM lion logo shot.

The Contract is nearing completion. The paper edition is formatted, and the e-book should be done by the weekend. Gwen and I are formulating the marketing plan and know we will need some volunteers for a launch post. The launch is scheduled for June 11th with a pre-order period of a week before. We will need enough blog stops to fill two weeks. Stay tuned.

Today’s John Ku talks about the newness of life to the young. I hope you have a super weekend.

What seems old to us,

Takes on a new-minted face. . .

When a baby looks.

Thursday – A Little Personal – Twiggy’s Home

April 5, 2018April 4, 2018 ~ John W. Howell ~ 89 Comments

“Hey, Dad.”

“Hi, Twiggy. You have a good rest?”

“Sure did. What’s on today?”

“You are going to play with your sisters, Bailey and Lucy.”

“Lucy, meet Twiggy. Twiggy, Lucy.”

“Hello, little one.”

“Boy, you’re a big one aren’t ya.”

“And I would say you are a little one for sure.”

“So how long have you been here?”

“I was adopted eight years ago.”

“Tell the truth. You like it here?”

“It’s the best. Now could you let go so Baily can come over?”

“Hey, little stuff. How’s it going?”

“This is Bailey, Twiggy.”

“We get it pops.”

“That bed is a little too big for you.”

“Gee sis. You are right. Wanna play?”

“Here’s the thing Twig. I need to take a nap right now. So maybe after that. ”

“We can play tag. I’ll be it”

“Okay, just for a while.”

“I think I tagged you.”

“I think you missed.”

“Come on Baily play fair.”

“You can say that Lucy. You haven’t been chased around the couch ten times.”

“Okay, kids. Time for lunch.”

“Saved by the dinner bell.”

Wednesday Story Day – AKA – Hump Day

April 4, 2018April 3, 2018 ~ John W. Howell ~ 47 Comments

Wednesday Story Day again and last week we were treated to another Frank Plano interrogation. This time it was Trish’s turn to come under the white-hot light. Frank asked the question on whether she has sex with the lawyer Jason McDonnell and she reacted as if he had made a statement of fact. It was an exciting moment, but now I see Trish barging into Jason McDonnell’s office and right by the receptionist who is now chasing Trish as she bursts through Jason’s door. I must say this could be good. Let ’s get over there.

“Why Ms. Severide. How nice to see you. I didn’t realize you were on my appointment schedule today. It is okay Mrs. Peterson. I will talk to Ms. Severide.”
“Yes, sir. Shall I close the door.’
“I would appreciate that. Thank you.”
“Cut the crap, Jason.”
“You seem a tad upset. Would you like to take a seat?”
“Don’t give me that lawyer voice, Jason. I’m really upset with you.”
“Upset. Why on Earth are you upset?”
“You had that hound dog of yours come and ask me if you and I had sex?”
“I did no such thing, Trish.”
“You told him we had sex then?”
“ Trish, believe me. I did not say such a thing. Why would I?”
“I don’t know. Maybe to get him to believe you and I have a thing or to brag. I’m confused.”
“See it makes no sense. Did Frank tell you I told him?”
“No, he said something like other people have no integrity.”
“So he was just fishing I think.”
“Why would he care about what you and I do?”
“Frank is a very thorough investigator. I think when things are at loose ends he wants to ties them up.”
“What does that mean?”
“Someone told him you and I were lovers. That’s what I mean.”
“Oh, Jason. Now I’m scared. Who is spying on us?”
“You know Trish when I took this case I did it because I thought Lucas was being railroaded by Sheriff Gibson. I’m beginning to think this is a much bigger deal than just finding out the facts behind Lucas’ innocence.”
“That scares me even more.”
“Here let me hold you. You have nothing to be afraid of as long as I’m here.”
“This always feels good. I don’t care what people say. I love being in your arms.”
“There are some mean folds out there and I’m going to find out what they are up to for sure.”
“I feel so much better now. I’m glad I came.”
“Yes, I always love seeing you.”
“Mostly without clothes though.”
“Now, you be good and let me handle this.”

“Will I see you later?”
“I’ll call you.”
“Okay then. Till later. Bye.”
“Give us a kiss. Till later then. Please close the door. Thanks.”