Views of the Neighborhood – Big Foot

February 4, 2018February 3, 2018 ~ John W. Howell ~ 66 Comments

This week’s View of the Neighborhood follows the Bigfoot Drilling rig as it moves down the Corpus Christi channel to the Gulf of Mexico. The oil and gas rig is headed to a position about 250 miles off New Orleans. It will be anchored in water about a mile deep. Once productive it will deliver 25,000 barrels of oil and 25 million cubic feet of gas per day. It is currently moving in the Gulf at 1.9 knots on a heading of 172 degrees. The rig is 60% owned by Chevron with other partners controlling the balance. The picture above is a storage facility for other platforms. I will use it as a reference for the photos to follow

Here is a shot of Bigfoot from about a mile away. The white boat is a ferry. The rig storage facility is on the right.

Getting closer.

Starting to take form.

Now across from the storage facility. You can get a relative idea of its size compared to the other platforms.

She is being pushed and pulled by eight ocean-going tugs.

A closer shot yet.

This one gives you a good shot of the tugs. For reference, the hight of the legs from the water to the top of the red stripe is 85 feet.

Here is a photo showing the platform as it reaches the mouth of the Gulf.

Stream of ConsciousnessSaturday – Prompt “In Other Words.”

February 3, 2018February 2, 2018 ~ John W. Howell ~ 55 Comments

It is Stream of Consciousness Saturday time and this week’s prompt is “In Other Words.” Yes, you read that right. Linda was very kind this week and dictated that we only have to use ‘in other words,” once in our post. Okay, gang, this preamble doesn’t count. If you would like to cause, your confidence to slip a little by joining in go to Linda Hill’s post and read how to do that most effectively. Here is the link.

https://lindaghill.com/2018/02/02/the-friday-reminder-and-prompt-for-socs-feb-3-18/

” In other words, you don’t want to go.”

“I didn’t say that. I said I had some things to do.”

“Why don’t you just come right out and say you don’t want to go.”

“If I didn’t want to go, I would just say that. Why are you being a jerk?”

“You know how much I like this kind of thing. I know you are not crazy about it, but I would think you could just be a good sport and go with me.”

“First of all, when did you know about this?”

“Well, I just got the tickets at work.”

“When?”

“Monday.”

“Here it is Saturday, and you think I will drop everything to go and you couldn’t give me more than twenty-four hours notice?”

“I guess I could have.”

“So why didn’t you?”

“Well…”

“Yes?”

“I asked Frank to go.”

“In other words, Frank was your preferred guest.”

“Well no.”

“What then.”

“He enjoys it. You don’t.”

“Why can’t he go?”

“He has other things to do.”

“In other words, to use your words, he didn’t want to go.”

“I guess not.”

“Well, that makes two of us.”

“I don’t get it.”

“What?”

“Why no one wants to watch the New England Patriots except me?”

“Because you don’t have a clue, you belong together.”

Friday JohnKu – AKA – TGIF

February 2, 2018February 2, 2018 ~ John W. Howell ~ 63 Comments

Friday is here and not a moment too soon. This week has taken it’s time to get to the gate of the weekend. I can’t put my finger on why so slow, but the week just seems like it went on forever. I think it may have something to do with the fact that the weather has been so bad. Why not blame the weather for everything? Doing that will give Obama a break since he is blamed for everything else.

Today dawned with a full moon and a gorgeous sunrise. That is the bellwether for a terrific day. This is also Superbowl weekend. With it comes the fervent hope for an Eagles victory. Hey, hold on you Pats fans. I know it is a sacrilege to root against Tom Brady but hell, someone has to do it. I’m not a big Eagle fan since my Steelers didn’t make it, but they are the underdog after all. Who doesn’t cheer the underdog? The sad part is Sunday is the last game of the season. Wah! I sure love my football and will miss it. Today’s JohnKu talks about the game. I hope you have a great weekend.

Preseason starts up,

Before you realize it. . .

Superbowl Sunday.

Thursday – A Little Personal – Lucy, Bailey, and Taxes

February 1, 2018February 1, 2018 ~ John W. Howell ~ 79 Comments

“Hey, Boss.”

“Hi, Lucy. What are you up to today?

Bailey and I just want to know what you are doing?”

“I’m working on our taxes.”

“What did you say, Pops?

“Taxes. I’m working on our taxes.”

“Is that why we’ve heard sounds like a wounded wildebeest?”

“Ha ha ha. You two slay me. I just am trying to figure out where to put things is all. ”

“Things. What kinds of things?”

“Oh, expenses for publishing for one?”

“Hear that Bailey? Publishing. So that is what he does up here all day.”

“Very funny you two. I’ll have you know I take this stuff seriously.”

“We know you do, Boss. Hey, where you going?”

“I’ll be right back. I have this receipt for supplies, and I left it downstairs.”

“Supplies, huh. How about our dog food. Do you have to count that?

“No. The government does not consider your dog food as a deductible item.”

“Ya hear that, Bailey? Dog food is not deductible.”

“Well, I think it is delectable who cares if it is deductible?”

“What is deductible anyway?”

“You are asking me? I’m a dog, not an accountant. Here comes Pops ask him.”

“Hey, Boss. What does deductible mean?”

“I’m not sure you’ll understand, but the government allows us to take away from our income legitimate expenses which are not taxed.”

“Um. Okay, Boss. My next question would be to ask what taxes are but let’s leave it there okay?”

“Smart Lucy. Trust me what you don’t know won’t hurt you. Look the sun is out.”

“Hey, Boss. You are right. Come on Bailey lets hit the sundeck.”

“Coming right up, Lucy. Pops would you open the door please?”

“Such a good dog. Here you go.”

“Check it out, Lucy. The sundeck is repaired.”

“My goodness that seemed like a long time but it looks like it was never damaged.”

“Yeah. Look over here. This end is back on. No more thrills when walking near the edge.”

“That used to get me. It was like a magnet pulling me to the edge.”

“Oh, stop Lucy. You are so dramatic. Feels nice though.”

“Hey, Boss when did they finish the deck?

“Last week, Lucy. You just haven’t been up here.”

“And thanks to the thing called taxes we heard your bellows and came to your rescue.”

“Pay no attention to Lucy, Pops. She is on this drama kick right now. Since I don’t have an opposable thumb do you think you could get the door?”

“Sure thing, Bailey. You guys going to stay a while?”

“I think we better go downstairs. You can never tell if these taxes things might be coming to get mom.”

“Good idea.”

Wednesday Story Day – AKA Hump Day

January 31, 2018January 30, 2018 ~ John W. Howell ~ 42 Comments

It is Wednesday Story Day, again and last week we witnessed Seth Gibson the sheriff once again outmaneuvered by Jason McDonnell, the lawyer. It looks like this occurrence will happen time and time again. It is clear Seth has an ax to grind with Lucas. As many folks have said, it is a good thing Lucas has a lawyer. It is time to go back to Harriet’s house since I see Frank Plano the private eye is getting ready to leave.
“So you would be willing to testify that you saw Set Gibson go into the Severides house after you left.”
“ I already said I would, Mr. Plano.”
“I know I’m just verifying is all.”
“I understand.”
“Mrs. Murphy.”
“Yes, Mr.Plano.”
“Are you willing to yes tiny as well?”
“Of course I am.”
“The part about the blood from Mrs. Weston’s heroine injection.”
“What about it?”
“You will testify that the blood trace found at the Severides which belongs to Mrs. Weston was a sloppy injection?”
“Well, sloppy is made a bit harsh, but yes. When the needle came out of her vein, the blood spurted to the floor.”
“And she was beginning to nod off after cleaning it up?”
“Yes.”
“You then left and went to your car.”
“Yes.”
“Did you also see Seth Gibson enter the Severide house?”
“Well, I was worried about Alice. I didn’t exactly see the sheriff enter the house.”
“Did Mrs. Weston tell you he entered?”
“She said something like, ‘There goes the sheriff into the Severide’s house.’ When I looked up, he was gone inside.”
“Hmm. So Mrs. Weston was the only one who actually saw the sheriff go in.”
“Excuse me, Mr. Plano, but I’m right here.”
“I know Mrs. Weston, but I’m interested in Mrs. Murphy’s observations.”
“Okay, then I’ll shut up.”
“Thank you. Now, Mrs. Murphy.”
“Yes, Mr. Plano.”
“How long after Mrs. Weston saw the sheriff go into the house did she nod off?”
“Excuse me?”
“You both said that Mrs. Weston was starting to nod off at the house and so you decided to leave. All I’m asking is how long after she saw the sheriff did she go to sleep?”
“I didn’t have a stopwatch, Mr. Plano. Besides what difference does it make?”
“If Mrs. Weston saw the sheriff enter the house and she says she was awake, I think it is important to determine if, in fact, that is the case.”
“I think we are through here, Mr. Plano. Let me show you to the door.”
“Yes, Mrs. Murphy I think I have what I came for. Thanks for the coffee.”
“Good day Mr. Plano.”

Tuesday – Anything Possible _ Kreative Kue #159 by Keith Channing

January 30, 2018January 29, 2018 ~ John W. Howell ~ 23 Comments

In Keith’s words.

“Using this photo 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 website, next Monday.”

The photo.

“Will you stop giggling. I’m trying to hear.”

“I can’t help it. That last Jal-jeera went to my head.”

“I guess the fact that it is only spices and no alcohol is lost on you.”

“Say what you want, but that cumin packs a punch. Where are we anyway?”

“If you’ll stop babbling maybe I can find out.”

“Hey look. There are crowds of people along the highway.”

“It appears we’re in some kind of parade. What are you doing?”

“I’m going to wave my hat. They’re waving at us.”

“Yeah, I see that. Notice no one is smiling though.”

“Oh, that’s a little creepy isn’t it.”

“I would say. Hold on. I’m getting a signal. Yes, this is Channing. Who’s this? Uh huh. So how did we get here? We are in a damn parade. We are on a float. It’s not a float? Okay, roger that, Channing out.”

“Who was that?”

“Believe it or not that was Century Base One.”

“What’d he say.”

“For some reason, we took a wrong turn at Waypoint Beta and are now on our way to a sacrifice.”

“A sacrifice. I’ve never been to a sacrifice.”

“You idiot. Of course, you’ve never been. We are the sacrifice.”

“Why can’t I remember?”

“Remember what?”

“The trip from the Jal-jeera joint to here.”

“Don’t feel alone. I can’t either.”

“What do we do now?”

“I’ve set your transponder to section four. Now let’s get out of here.”

“I think I gave my transponder to that pretty girl.”

“What pretty girl?”

“The one in the Jal-jeera joint.”

“The one with the blond hair?”

“Yes.”

“Well, I guess she and I will be in section four.”

“Where will I be?”

“My guess is hot water. See ya,”

Views of the Neighborhood – A Peek at the Damage

January 28, 2018January 27, 2018 ~ John W. Howell ~ 53 Comments

I made a point that I was not going to show pictures of the destruction of Hurricane Harvey since I felt it to be an invasion of individual privacy. I still believe that but there are some photos that can be shown which will give you a further idea of the damage of the Hurricane. These were taken yesterday during a rainstorm but will give you an idea. Most of these businesses are going to return.

These buildings have been taken down to the studs.

This is now a shell, ready for renovation

The little store on the left was severely damaged but the bike shop is open.

The damage to the store with the shark was almost total. The shark remained pretty much intact.

This used to be a liquor store and a sno cone stand

Workers repairing the roof of the Islander in the rain

The sea-captain stands alone. His partner is off on a trip.

Even the national chains took a hit. CVS just installed a trailer for prescriptions. Notice the arrow on the parking lot. The wind literally stripped it.

Here is what remains of a gas station and Pizza Hut. They are fixing the building. Not sure on the gas station.

Here is what is left of what we called Mount Debris. It was the holding place for all the debris in town. It was about fifty feet high and more than a football field long It is getting smaller by the day.

Stream of Consciousness Saturday – Prompt “Movement”

January 27, 2018January 26, 2018 ~ John W. Howell ~ 50 Comments

“It is Stream of Consciousness Saturday time again and this week’s prompt is “movement.” Now I have to Explain. Linda Hill says we can’t just use the word movement, but our prompt has to be about a movement. So if you would like to join in, please visit Linda’s post and find out all about it. Here is the link. https://lindaghill.com/2018/01/26/the-friday-reminder-for-socs-jusjojan-daily-prompt-jan-27th-2018/

“What are you doing?”

“I just came from Linda Hill’s place and have this week’s prompt.”

“So why the long face?”

“Well, the prompt is movement.”

“So? Sounds like a snap. For someone your age who is always worried about a bowel movement you should do well.”

“Very funny. No, you see we have to work in not just the word but an actual movement.”

“Ach. So I was on the right track with that comment about your age.”

“Okay, I’ll give it to you. Seriously I can’t think of a thing.”

“Eye movement.”

“Huh?”

“You could describe eye movement when a person is in the REM stage of sleep.”

“Get serious who will care about that?”

“How about the Woman’s Rights Movement?”

“I’m the wrong gender. Not an expert and don’t think I can speak for how women feel.”

“Okay, fair enough. How about history. The Temperance Movement?”

“I drink too much.”

“The Labor Movement?”

“I don’t work.”

“Gadzooks. Help me out here. States Rights Movement?”

“Not a Tea Party member.”

“AntiWar Movement?”

“Not old enough.”

“Civil Rights Movement. Now don’t tell me you aren’t involved in that.”

“Okay, you may have hit on one that I can talk about.”

“Is there another one?”

“I suppose I could talk about the Environmental Movement.”

“Is that still a thing?”

“You wouldn’t know it but, yes. We are all going to die from plastic poisoning.”

“Okay. How about one more. How’s the Burger Movement sound?”

“The what?”

“You and I move from here and get a burger.”

“Fries with that?”

“Of course.”

“So much for the Health Movement.”

“We’ll do that tomorrow.”

Friday JohnKu – AKA – TGIF

January 26, 2018January 25, 2018 ~ John W. Howell ~ 44 Comments

Another week under our belt. The Friday milestone has been reached. This week has been productive from many points of view. More beta results for The Contract (Gwen Plano co-author) have come in and contained some excellent comments. We also got the first rendition of the cover and are excited about what will be the eventual finished product. I have continued to keep attention on my next book, and the story is developing well.

This week has been one of chilly weather. We have been recipients of some of the results of the Arctic blast. The whole country has been affected by the same movement of cold air. We in the South see temperatures which are below seasonal averages. We can only hope the Jet Stream shifts to the North. This week’s JohnKu talks about the temperatures. I hope you have a great weekend.

We huddle and shake,

And hear of an Arctic mass. . .

TiKi’s as igloos?