Tuesday – Anything Possible – Kreative Kue #148 by Keith Channing

November 14, 2017November 13, 2017 ~ John W. Howell ~ 46 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 keith@channing.info 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 trip by John W. Howell

“So where is the cruise ship?”

“Who said anything about a cruise ship?”

“You said we were going on a cruise.”

“I don’t think I said a cruise.”

“What did you say then?”

“I think I said you and I were booked on a boat trip.”

“Boat trip, cruise. What’s the difference?”

“For one thing a boat trip is on a boat, not a ship.”

“To me, they are the same.”

“A boat is smaller.”

“Like those in the river there?”

“Exactly.”

“Okay, so it’s a small boat. Still a cruise to me.”

“Hold on. Another thing that separates a cruise from a boat trip is on a cruise you don’t have to do anything but eat, sleep, and play.”

“Yeah, I get that. So on a boat trip, you need to be involved in doing things.”

“Now I think you have it.”

“Like what things?”

“Depends on what you signed up for.”

“Signed up for? What does that mean?”

“Well, for instance, I signed up to be a deckhand.”

“Deckhand. Wait a minute. I thought this was going to be a vacation?”

“It is. A working vacation.”

“You mean to tell me we are going to be working as deckhands on one of those barges?”

“No, not at all.”

“Well. that’s a relief.”

“You’re signed up as a cook.”

Top Ten Things Not to Do Playing Board Games

November 13, 2017November 12, 2017 ~ John W. Howell ~ 81 Comments

The inspiration for this list is the approaching holidays where families all gather around and play a board game or two. I hope you enjoy the list.

10 If you are playing a board game, do not insist on using the same token as last year. If you d, at best, you will be teased for being a stick in the mud. At worst, you’ll have to sit out the game since your older brother already laid claim to the piece. (You believe he did that on purpose don’t you, Chester?)

9 If you are playing a board gamed, not argue with Tiny the WWF champ who is spending the holidays at your house as part of a prison holiday release program, when he lays down a scrabble word XXZZWMP. If you do, at best you’ll need to leave the game. At worst, you’ll need to find some ice for that black eye. (Mama said not to argue with Tiny didn’t she, Conor?)

8 If you are playing a board game, do not think by getting monopolies on all the properties you will win. If you do, at best no one will have money left. At worst, you could be the cause of your unemployed brother-in-law to go off the deep end. (Maybe you should have let him have a few wins Collin. You need to talk him down off the roof.)

7 If you are playing a board game, do not start belly aching if you must go to jail. If you do, at best the other players will make fun of you. At worst, you will cause everyone to decide to do something different. (Not much fun playing the game alone is it, Cyrus?)

6 If you are playing a board game, do not try to mark the career cards so you can pick the best career. If you do, at best you might get caught. At worse, even if you cheat you lose anyway. (How does this happen, Chance? With a name like yours you could have just played the game.)

6 If you are playing a board game, do not shout out who killed Mr. Boddy of Tudor Mansion until all the clues are exposed. If you do, at best the game is over. At worst, you will be eating Thanksgiving dinner outside on the porch. (Kind of chilly here in Minnesota at Thanksgiving huh, Cecil?)

5 If you are playing a board game, do not set that BIG GULP cup too close to the game. If you do, at best the condensation off the cup may get some money wet. At worst, an excited player will inadvertently tip the cup over. (Guess where all that soda went, Cormac? Yup that’s right the tsunami of Coke and ice wiped the game out and FEMA doesn’t want to hear about it.)

4 If you are playing a board game, do not think you have to play until there is a clear winner. If you do at best, it will be hours. At worst, the game could go on for the entire weekend. ( you planned on doing other things, didn’t you Crispin? Like take a shower.)

3 If you are playing a board game, do not slip from reality. If you do, at best others will notice. At worst, you will need to decompress once the game is over. (Your psychologist is not available on Sundays, Carlin. You need to lay down.)

2 If you are playing a board game, do not try to confuse your fellow players with some off the wall move. If you do, at best you will be reminded to stick to the rules. At worst, you off the wall move will backfire and you’ll lose all your gold. (Now what are you going to use for food huh, Chase? Beginning to feel the specter of starvation aren’t you? What was that about reality?)

1 If you are playing a board game, do not think the rest of the players don’t notice your extra helpings of $100.00 bills as you do your banking duties. If you do, at best you’ll be asked to return the bills. At worst you will be formally banned from the family games and turned over to the justice department for bank fraud. (Okay so the justice department is not interested, Curt. It is still mighty embarrassing.)

Views of the Neighborhood – Support

November 12, 2017November 11, 2017 ~ John W. Howell ~ 62 Comments

This week I thought it would be nice to talk about the support that Port Aransas has been getting from other places around the nation. This week we expect the arrival of a truckload of supplies from Farmington, Minnesota. Farmington residents started a bucket collection in which buckets were filled with donated items.

Here is a photo of the buckets and the caption tells you more.

The city of Farmington has adopted a sister city in Texas and residents are buying buckets of supplies, which will be shipped there on Saturday. For the past two months, Farmington residents, businesses, schools, and churches have come together to raise money and cleaning supplies for Port Aransas, a tourist town hit hard by Hurricane Harvey on the Texas Gulf Coast in August. On Wednesday, November 8, 2017, students from Baeckman Middle School filled buckets at Pelicci Ace Hardware store with cleaning supplies with the help of Amanda Stender, General Manager, at the hardware store. A semi-truck at the store is now full of buckets; the truck leaves for Texas Saturday. (Ginger Pinson / Pioneer Press)

The truck arrives on Monday after a 20-hour drive and is loaded with 500 buckets, lumber, windows, and doors.

Last week a former resident of Port Aransas got all his Austin friends together, and they loaded a semi with used furniture and household items.

Here is a shot of the semi and some of the items

Those are computer monitors and some office furniture.

Another photo of more items. The truck was unloaded, and people were free to come and pick up what they needed.

In a house that was completely gutted a donation station has been set up. The above photo shows available healthcare items.

Water and cleaning supplies.

Human and pet food.

Shoes.

I had to take a close-up to show that Toms donated some shoes to Port Aransas residents.

Always heartbreaking to realize the little children are involved as well.

To lift the spirit, there are art items.

The former kitchen has kitchen items.

The rules of the donation station and an announcement that the food pantry is open on Tuesday for an hour.

So day to day life in Port Aransas moves on with the help of donations.

Stream of Consciousness Saturday – Prompt “Arm”

November 11, 2017November 10, 2017 ~ John W. Howell ~ 31 Comments

A day to honor our veterans. I thank you all for your service which has allowed me to participate in and enjoy our country’s freedoms.

It is also Stream of Consciousness Saturday time again and this week’s prompt is “Arm.” We are advised to use it or any word that has “arm” in it. If you would like to participate in this madness visit Linda Hill’s blog and read how. You don’t even have to have normal personality traits to participate. Here is the link. https://lindaghill.com/2017/11/10/the-friday-reminder-and-prompt-for-socs-nov-11-17/

“So how did you get him to say, “yes?”

“Simple. We arm wrestled, and I won.”

“Just like that? You beat him at arm wrestling, and he told you okay?”

“That’s all it took. No arm-twisting. No arguing, no strong-arm stuff. Just a simple arm wrestle.”

“How did you get him to agree to the contest?”

“It wasn’t too hard.”

“Okay tell me how.”

“I pulled out my firearm and told him I would shoot him if he didn’t arm wrestle me.”

“You told me you didn’t do any strong-arm stuff. What would you call pulling out a firearm?”

“A getting his attention device.”

“So you had the contest and how did it go.”

“Well, there we were pretty much locked in a draw. I could see his arm starting to quiver. I applied a little pressure and he slowly started to slip.”

“This is exciting. Go on.”

“I have this special trick I use. It is a twist of the wrist which gives me an advantage over my opponent.”

“So then you pinned his arm?”

“No, he started a comeback. I could not believe his arm was almost on the table when he started to rise. I could see the sweat breaking out on his forehead and he was grunting. The crowd was starting to chant for him.”

“What did you do?”

“I applied a little more pressure and his rally was over.”

“What kind of pressure?”

“Oh, something small which usually works.”

“What?”

“I pulled the hammer back on my firearm.”

“Cheater.”

“I prefer the term winner.”

Friday John Ku – AKA TGIF

November 10, 2017November 9, 2017 ~ John W. Howell ~ 68 Comments

A cold day here on Mustang Island.The high only fifty-three degrees. Come on you guys. To us fifty-three is a very cold number. Had to put on a long-sleeved polo shirt and denim pants. Been thinking about the Ugg slippers but want to hold off until the highs are in the forties. You know how it is with Uggs. You start wearing those things, and folks take you for an eccentric. Of course, I think people believe me to be pretty unconventional as it is. Okay, out come the Uggs but only until tomorrow. It is supposed to be back to eighty degrees. I think I’ll build a fire in the fireplace and get out some hot toddy makings. Could be time to put on the Christmas music too. Then again it’s going to be eighty degrees tomorrow. I guess I’ll hold off. Today’s John Ku talks about being impetuous. I hope you have a grand weekend.

One minute it’s black,

The next you’ve decided white. . .

How about some thought.

Thursday – A little Personal – Daylight Savings Time

November 9, 2017November 9, 2017 ~ John W. Howell ~ 93 Comments

“Hey, Boss.”

“Well, hello Lucy. You look like you have a problem.”

“Well, I certainly do. What time is it anyway?”

“It is ten minutes after four.”

“You aren’t serious? It has to be after five. My stomach is telling me it’s after five.”

“OMG. Best tell her about Daylight Savings Time, John.”

“Thanks, Stella. I think you’re right. ”

“Okay, Boss, so you and Stella have some kind of secret. How about letting me in on it?”

“We changed our clocks so that we will save daylight in the winter. Todays four o’clock was yesterday’s five o’clock.”

“Wait. I didn’t change my stomach. I’m hungry now.”

“I think you are in trouble now, John.”

“Thank you, Stella. I can handle this. Do you understand, Bailey?”

“Sure do, Pops. You humans can’t see well in the dark so you alter every nonhuman’s dinner time so that you won’t hit anything when you go outside at night. I’m so weak I don’t think I’m going to make it.”

“You’ll be fine, Bailey. I have to say your explanation makes some kind of warped sense. You understand now Lucy?”

“Yeah. I think it means I got to gut it out for forty-five minutes till dinner time”

“I knew you would get there , John. Nice job.”

Wednesday Story Day – AKA – Hump Day

November 8, 2017November 6, 2017 ~ John W. Howell ~ 53 Comments

It is Wednesday Story Day again and last week we left the lawyer McDonnell and the private detective where the detective made the claim he could clear Lucas from the murder of his parents. Needless to say, McDonnell was taken back as most of us were as well. Unfortunately, we need to leave McDonnell and the detective alone for a minute because I’m seeing Alice almost running up Harriet’s front porch steps. It looks like she wants to talk to Harriet about something important. Let’s get over there. Oh, Dan. We’ll get back to the lawyer and detective after this little side trip.

“Harriet are you out of your mind?”
“Come in Alice. What has you fired up today?”
“You hired that lawyer for Lucas?”
“Yes, of course, I did. I told you and Seth about that a while ago. What’s the problem?”
“He hired some private eye who has been snooping around in Kenosha.”
“Here sit down. Would you like some tea?”
“No, I don’t want any tea. I want to hear again why you hired that lawyer.’
“I think he will clear Lucas’ name is why.”
“Why are you so all-fired interested in what happens to Lucas. He is a dumb assed kid.”
“Yeah and one you wanted to strip bare and have your way with him.”
“Oh please. Let’s not get carried away. I was just playing with him. I love to see little boys get excited over little old me.”
“You are a sick unit, Alice. That kid could no more handle you than he could a bucking bull.”
“Speak for yourself, Harriet. Now let’s get back to you funding Lucas’ defense.”
“I feel sorry for him is all.”
“You know, that detective is going to turn up some dirt on you and I don’t you?”
“Oh, so what. A couple of lesbian hags. Who will care.”
“I’m not talking about our sex life. I’m talking about that night in Kenosha.”
“What night?”
“The night you and I went to the Severides.”
“Nobody knows about that, Alice except you and I.”
“And if you tell anyone, Harriet?”
“I won’t say a word. I can’t be sure about you though.”
“Sure you can. I love you. We don’t know if we were seen that’s all I’m saying. It appears everyone in Kenosha has some information on what went on that night. I would fire that lawyer.”
“What kind of message would that send. It would raise all kinds of suspicions.”
“At least he would be off the case.”
“Have some tea, Alice. Let me think for a minute.”

Tuesday – Anything Possible – Kreative Kue #147 by Keith Channing

November 7, 2017November 6, 2017 ~ John W. Howell ~ 35 Comments

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 keith@channing.info 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.

“So there I was standing on the bow of that great ship.”

“How did you get on the ship?”

“I was a member of the crew. May I continue?”

“Yes, by all means.”

“As I said I was standing on the bow looking off to the sea.”

“Where was the ship going?”

“It was headed for America. We were doing fourteen knots, and the air was so cold I could see my breath.”

“I’ve never seen my breath. What did it look like?”

“It was like a cloud or smoke from a hookah. All of a sudden this large chunk of ice appeared out of nowhere, and we crashed into it. I was thrown to the deck and covered with chunks as we passed.”

“How did you survive?”

“I got out from under the ice and ran to the bridge. It was warm inside. The captain was frantic. He asked me if I saw anything. I told him we hit some ice. That was the last time I talked to him.”

“Why didn’t you talk to him?”

“He was busy, and I had my duties to attend to.”

“What duties?”

“I was assigned to pilot a lifeboat which I did.”

“It is a wonder you survived.”

“Yes, most did not. That is why we are building this boat here in the desert. It is to be a memorial to those who perished.”

“There is no water for hundreds of miles.”

“It doesn’t matter. They will know.”

“Who will know?”

“The lost souls. The ones I couldn’t save. They will know my sorrow.”

Top Ten Things Not to Do in an Apartment

November 6, 2017November 5, 2017 ~ John W. Howell ~ 63 Comments

The inspiration for this list came as were spending some hurricane evacuation time in an apartment. I hope you enjoy it.

10 If you are in an apartment, do not drop your weights like the bozos at the gym. If you do, at best the manager will visit At worst, that last set of one hundred pounds ended with the repair bill for both your floor and the ceiling below you. (That drop was pretty expensive huh, Christopher. Lucky there was no one in the recliner down there.)

9 If you are in an apartment, do not think your wailing guitar is appreciated by everyone at two in the morning. If you do, at best the police will only give you a warning. At worst, you’ll get a visit from Tiny the WWF champ who was just released from the sleep disorder clinic, and this was the first night he actually fell asleep. (Notice how that locked door came off the hinges, Cameron? I’d like you to meet Tiny the big guy that looks like a freight train, and he’s headed your way.)

8 If you are in an apartment, do not rent the bottom floor unit. If you do, at best you may get used to the noise above. At worst, you’ll finally crack and will go door pounding in the middle of the night. (Those people have every right to be afraid, Connor. Might have been a good idea to check in the mirror before doing your Shining, “Daddy’s home,” imitation.)

7 If you are in an apartment, do not cook your favorite boiled cabbage recipe except on St. Patrick’s Day. If you do, at best your neighbors will wish for your death. At worst, the super will call in the exterminator believing your apartment is the scene of many pests. (Be careful opening that door, Cody. That cloud left by the bug bomb explosion might take you out as well.)

6 If you live in an apartment, do not forget to lock your door. If you do, at best no one will notice. At worst, you’ll come home to a place that looks like you never lived there. (You have to wonder how a thief could take four rooms of furniture with no one noticing don’t you, Carter?)

5 If you live in an apartment, do not throw a party unless you invite the neighbors on either side as well as above and below. If you do, at best you might be annoyed by all the floor and ceiling pounding. At worst, you better hope everyone at the party is legal because the SWAT team coming up the stairs will sure want to check. (You had no idea the Jackson Twins were under twenty-one did you, Chris. Well, it’s not going to matter that they weren’t known or invited by you and no one else either.)

4 If you live in an apartment, do not think the barbecue grill will be available when you want to use it. If you do, at best you’ll have to wait your turn. At worst your choice will come down to eating at midnight or a pan-fried steak. (What is it about that Teflon flavor in a great cut of meat that adds so much to the elegance of the meal, Charlie.)

3 If you live in an apartment, do not think everyone follows the shower before entering the pool rule. If you do, at best you might be surprised by the ring. At worst, you may be caught unaware of the unofficial rule which is, “Do not put your head under water.” (Had a bunch of unexplained sore throats lately huh, Calvin?)

2 If you live in an apartment, do not ignore the trash pickup rules. If you do, at best you will only have to be taught once. At worst, the pickup service will no longer stop at your door and trying to put your trash next door will earn you a potential black eye. (That guy sure got mad when he stepped on your paper bag full of garbage didn’t he, Cory? How is that eye by the way?)

1 If you live in an apartment, do not pick up and shake other people’s packages which are outside their door. If you do, at best you’ll never get caught. At worst, you just shook a package as the door of the recipient opened.(The bad part was it was a gift six Baccarat champagne flutes which are now dust, Clark. I don’t think saying, “Oh I think this is yours, my mistake,” is going to cover this one up.)

Views of the Neighborhood – Oil Spill

November 5, 2017November 4, 2017 ~ John W. Howell ~ 41 Comments

When it rains it pours they say. On October 19th a barge filled with crude oil had an explosion three miles off the Port Aransas coast. The picture above was taken by the Coast Guard. Before the fire and resultant leakage of oil were contained approximately 2000 barrels out of the 133,000 barrels on board leaked into the gulf. So three weeks after Hhurricane Harvey we also were challenged with oil on the beach. Sadly two of the eight crew members went missing, and only one body has been found. I did not report this sooner as there were other positive things to see in Port Aransas. My reason for publishing it now is the Texas Land and Cattle company responded quickly and got most of the oil picked up in a matter of days, so it ended quite well. Few sea creatures and birds were affected as well.