Tag: Detour – On the eternal Road

Friday JohnKu – AKA – TGIF – Fri-Yay/Good News

~ John W. Howell ~ 85 Comments
An example of the pods at Dallas Love Field Airport – credit: JetWind Corporation

Today’s good news story comes from the Good News Network.

Jet Engine Exhaust is Turned into Electricity to Power Dallas International Airport

By Andy Corbley –

An intuitive piece of hardware collects days’ worth of renewable energy from airplane engine exhaust before takeoff from a Dallas airport.

“Boarding is completed” is a common refrain heard over the intercom system in the moments before taxiing to the runway.

At that moment, the pilot will begin a series of engine tests and pre-flight checks, during which the turbine engines will idle with their ferocious noise and exhaust fumes.

A company called JetWind has realized that all that idling force is like the strong winds needed to power a wind turbine and has built a series of pods that can capture it during the 5-10 minutes the aircraft is sitting at the gate waiting for clearance to taxi.

“The main goal of our project is to harness the consistent wind created by jets and convert it into an eco-friendly energy source,” JetWind’s founder and president, Dr. T. O. Souryal, told Interesting Engineering.

“What was once considered wasted energy can now benefit energy grids, ultimately promoting smarter and more sustainable infrastructure across the globe.”

Three years of testing between 2021 and 2024 have informed the official deployment of JetWind’s flagship product at Dallas Love Field airport. 13 sets of pods will sit beneath the gate hooked up to external batteries that connect to the grid the airport uses. Solar panels add to the energy generation, and the whole set can create about 30 kilowatt-hours of renewable energy, enough to power a family home for a few days.

While it isn’t nearly what the average airport will consume during a day of operations, when combined with 12 other systems like it, it can make a big difference in reducing the building’s carbon footprint.

“Dallas Love Field has always been a hub of progress, and the introduction of JetWind’s Energy Capturing Pods reinforces its position as a testing ground for innovative technologies,” said former Dallas Mayor Tom Leppert.

“By converting man-made wind into energy, we highlight Dallas as a leader in sustainable solutions and prove that cities can take significant steps toward tackling global energy challenges.”

The debut of the JetWind pods at Love Field has attracted attention from around the globe, including companies and governments from Switzerland, Brazil, Saudi Arabia, Ecuador, the UK, France, and Australia.

The good news in today’s story is that not all energy projects are enormous. Even the little ones count. Today’s JohnKu is about little steps. I hope you have a beautiful weekend.

Small by John W. Howell © 2024

Even small projects,

Can add up to big savings . . .

It is worth small steps.

Detour on the Eternal Road – Review by Jaye Marie and Anita Dawes

~ John W. Howell ~ 18 Comments

Jaye Marie and Anita Dawes have written a lovely review of Detour on the Eternal Road. I am very grateful for their support on tour and for taking the time to read the story and let everyone know their thoughts about it. They are very talented sisters who author books. In addition, Jaye is interested in gardening and her bonsai collection. Anita also writes compelling poetry. I am delighted that Anita and Jaye volunteered to host a stop on the tour. Here is a link to their post.

A little more about Jaye

Jaye Marie came to writing rather late but has always loved books.

She enjoys reading many different genres, so was surprised to discover a passion for writing detective thrillers. Four of them to date, with more to follow.

She also enjoys running a website/blog, https://jenanita01.com and loves meeting all the wonderful people who drop in to say hello!

 

Jaye has 13 titles published. You can see all of them at Her Amazon Page

A little more about Anita

Anita Dawes loves all things esoteric, magical and the otherworldly and would prefer to live in a fairy tale. In between these moments, she likes to visit old churches and ancient buildings.

She has written six fiction novels in various genres, Bad Moon, Simple, Secrets, The Scarlet Ribbon; Let it Go and Not My Life. Presently working on a sequel to her popular supernatural romance, The Scarlet Ribbon.

Anita has recently rediscovered her childhood love of poetry and often writes and posts them online.

Once owned by an egocentric black and white cat called Merlin, named after her favourite hero, Anita dislikes computers and prefers to writes longhand, sharing a website http://jenanita01.com with Jaye Marie, who transcribes and edits her work…

Anita has 19 titles published. You can visit them at her Amazon Author Page

I have closed the comments so you can leave them on Jaye Marie and Anita’s post.

Thursday – A Little Personal – Twiggy and Tempeste confront Winter Weather

~ John W. Howell ~ 128 Comments

“Not sure going outside to play is a good idea, Tempeste.”

“Why not? Looks okay to me.”

“Mom took me for a walk earlier and it was cold.”

“Cold? Since when does Texas cold bother us?”

“This was a little bit colder than Texas cold. It was freezing.”

“Hey Dad. How cold is it out there?”

“Right now it is 22 degrees Fahrenheit  ( Minus 5.5 C) Feels like 2 degrees F (minus 16.6 C)”

” Well that does seem a little colder than we are use to.”

“I wouldn’t plan on spending too much time out there.”

“Okay Dad. We appreciate the advice.”

“Well Tempeste. What do you think?”

“Hold on. Wait till Dad is out of ear shot.”

“Yeah he’s gone. What do you think?”

“I say a couple of sweaters and we are good to go. I’m going to have a look see.”

“How does it look?”

“Would you believe there is snow on the neighbor’s roof?”

“You’re kidding.”

“I’m not kidding. There are flurries blowing around. I think Dad is right. Let’s hit the couch.”

“Sometimes that old guy knows what he is talking about, Twiggy.”

“I’m just glad he doesn’t put us to work or something.”

“Work? Whats that?”

“The curse of the sleeping class.”

 

Detour on the Eternal Road Tour – Stop Thirteen with Liz Gauffreau

~ John W. Howell ~ 1 Comment

Liz and I have followed each other for what seems like forever. I have enjoyed Liz’s stories, poetry, and her classic New Hampshire humor. She is an accomplished poet and fiction writer. She has published a novel, Telling Sonny: The Story of a Girl Who Loved the Vaudeville Show and two collections of photopoetry, Grief Songs: Poems of Love & Remembrance and Simple Pleasures: Haiku from the place just right.  Her second novel, The Weight of Snow and Regret, is based on the closing of the last poor farm in Vermont in 1968. The Weight of Snow and Regret will be released on October 1, 2025.

I am very honored that she volunteered to host Detour on the Eternal Road on her blog today. Here is a link to that post.

More about Liz.

Elizabeth Gauffreau writes fiction and poetry with a strong connection to family and place. She holds a BA in English/Writing from Old Dominion University and an MA in English/Fiction Writing from the University of New Hampshire. Her fiction publications include short stories in Woven Tale Press, The Long Story, Soundings East, Ad Hoc Monadnock, Rio Grande Review, Blueline, Slow Trains, Hospital Drive, and Serving House Journal,among others. Her poetry has appeared in North of Oxford, The Writing On The Wall, The Larcom Review, and Natural Bridge. Her short story “Henrietta’s Saving Grace” was awarded the 2022 Ben Nyberg  prize for fiction by Choeofpleirn Press.

Liz’s professional background is in nontraditional higher education, including academic advising, classroom and online teaching, curriculum development, and program administration. She received the Granite State College Distinguished Faculty Award for Excellence in Teaching in 2018. Liz lives in Nottingham, New Hampshire with her husband. Find her online at https://linktr.ee/egauff.

Here are her books (click photo for Liz’s Amazon page)

I have turned off comments so you can leave them on Liz’s post.

 

 

 

Views of the Neighborhood – A Concert at the Lakeway Activity Center

~ John W. Howell ~ 66 Comments

Today, we are visiting the Lakeway Activity Center to attend a concert by the singing group A Capella Texas. This concert is in a series of brown bag lunch concerts sponsored by The Lakeway Arts Committee.

Here’s a little about A Cappella Texas.

A Cappella Texas entertains audiences with world-class a cappella harmony featuring new and challenging contemporary a cappella, doo-wop, gospel music, and traditional barbershop arrangements. Since 1961, Austin has been home to a Barbershop Harmony Society (BHS) chapter. In the past six decades, the Austin Chapter and its quartets have brought people together in harmony and fellowship to enrich lives through singing. Hundreds of local singers and schools have joined in the fun as they have encouraged and preserved the uniquely American a cappella art form known as barbershop music.

We are catered by Acre 41 of Austin, and our entertainment is Home Free.

Menu

Eggs Your Way – bacon or sausage, breakfast potatoes, toast

Tres Leches French Toast – strawberries, powdered sugar, whipped cream

Huevos Rancheros – sunny egg, crispy tortilla, black bean, avocado, jalapeno, queso fresco

Salmon Poke Bowl – maitake, edamame, cucumber, avocado, ponzu, sushi rice

Wagyu Flat Iron & Eggs – eggs your way, breakfast potatoes

Spinach & Mushroom Egg White Omelet – havarti, breakfast potatoes, toast

Smoked Ham & Pimento Cheese Omelet – house pimento cheese, breakfast potatoes, toast

Buttermilk Pancakes – blackberry preserve, maple syrup

Sausage & Egg Burrito – chicken sausage, queso chihuahua, pepper jack, salsa roja

Thick Bacon Benedict – hollandaise, English muffin, asparagus, poached eggs

Picture of an old time school bus

Let’s go

The Activity Center.

The Center courtyard. Places to relax.

Tortoise ceramics in the courtyard

There is a sign for the performance.

Tables decked out for Valentine’s Day.

The Chairperson of the Arts Committee welcomes everyone.

A nice turnout.

Some know how to do it.

Getting ready for the performance.

The Chairperson of the A Capella Texas group makes an introduction.

There they are. A note on the

Up a lazy river.

A wonderful concert. Now, it is time to enjoy some acapella music and enjoy brunch.

 

 

 

Saturday – A Little Personal – Twiggy and Tempeste at Play

~ John W. Howell ~ 125 Comments

“Yes, mom. Twiggy and I are here playing.”

“Go on out there. She is looking for us.”

“Okay, Mom. I’ll tell her.”

“Tell me what?”

“Mom says not to rub the chairs and to play nice.”

“The only reason the chairs are facing out is so you won’t jump on the table.”

“Do you know how much fun it is to land in the center?”

“The last time you had that bowl of roses all over the place.”

“I’m going to shake some sense into Crabbie.”

“That crab has no sense, so good luck.”

“You want to trade toys?”

“Mmm. I’m happy with this one.”

“What, Mom? Yes, we are playing together.”

“That’s pretty funny. We aren’t even close to playing together.”

“Well, we could if you would share that doll.”

“I’m almost finished with it.”

“So I can play with it?”

“Yeah, of course.”

“Wow. It looks pretty wet.”

“You know how it is with toys and mouths.”

“Okay. What did you have for breakfast? Whale?”

“You saying it’s funky?”

“It smells days old. Where are you going?”

“Out to get Crabbie.”

“That will be a no. I just can’t let you do that.”

“Alright, I’ll leave Crabbie alone if you stop tickling me.”

“Say, Uncle.”

“No way.”

Views of the Neighborhood – Potpourri

~ John W. Howell ~ 81 Comments

Today, we visit the neighborhood to check on things we might not have seen before. Since it is Super Bowl Sunday, we will have a traditional Super Bowl offering.

We are catered by Doc’s Backyard Grill, with their Superbowl menu. Our entertainment is The 1985 Chicago Bears.

WINGS 

BONELESS HOT WINGS

TRADITIONAL HOT WINGS

WHITE WINGS – Chicken & fresh jalapenos wrapped in smoked applewood bacon and tossed in buffalo wing sauce

APPETIZERS 

BEAN & CHEESE NACHOS, PULLED PORK NACHOS -Pulled pork, goat cheese, black beans, red onions, and cilantro.

SHRIMP NACHOS – Blackened shrimp. Monterey Jack cheese, black beans, red onions, cilantro, and avocado.

QUESO – Topped with pico de gallo.

FAJITA NACHOS – Fajita chicken or marinated steak.

GUACAMOLE

SLIDERS

FISH SLIDERS – Three blackened or hand-battered fish sliders topped with Doc’s Sriracha coleslaw.

BAT SLIDERS – Three smoked applewood bacon, avocado, chipotle mayo, and tomato sliders topped with Doc’s Sriracha coleslaw.

DOC’S MINI CHEESEBURGER SLIDERS – Three sliders topped with American cheese and grilled onions.

BUFFALO CHICKEN SLIDERS -Three buffalo chicken sliders with bleu cheese crumbles.

PULLED PORK SLIDERS – Three pulled pork sliders topped with BBQ sauce & Doc’s Sriracha coleslaw

BURGERS/SANDWICHES

 CHEESE BURGER – Lettuce, tomatoes, and onions. Served with a pickle spear.

BRUNCH BURGER: A half-pound patty, fried egg, applewood bacon, hash browns, tomatoes, and queso.

TORT BURGER: Guacamole, cheddar cheese, and pico de gallo are served in flour tortillas, quesadilla style, with a side of queso and tortilla chips.

BBQ APPLEWOOD BACON CHEDDAR BURGER – Smoked applewood bacon, BBQ sauce, cheddar cheese, and grilled onions. Served with a pickle spear.

BLACKENED JALAPEÑO CHEDDAR BURGER – Grilled jalapeños, onions, peppers, cheddar cheese, lettuce, and tomatoes.

VEGGIE BURGER – Black bean chipotle burger, lettuce, tomatoes and onions.

LONE STAR CHICKEN SANDWICH – Grilled chicken breast, smoked applewood bacon, guacamole, Monterey Jack cheese, lettuce, and tomatoes.

BBQ PULLED PORK SANDWICH- Pulled pork, BBQ sauce, and onions.

Served with a pickle spear.

BUFFALO CHICKEN SANDWICH: Fried chicken breast tossed in Buffalo sauce, bleu cheese crumbles, lettuce, and tomatoes with crinkle fries.

BLACKENED FISH SANDWICH – Blackened fish filet, lettuce, and tomatoes.

Picture of an old time school bus

Hop on the bus, and let’s get rolling.

Here is a cute puppy angel.

A happy turtle.

I have no idea what all this is.

A cute rosemary bush.

Now we’re talking.

A wire hen with stone eggs.

A doubtful frog.

An intense Cardinal.

Need help with this one.

A Valentine’s Day decoration.

You must look carefully, but here is another Valentine’s Day nod.

I hope you liked the tour. Time to sit back, enjoy the food and music, and get ready for the game. Here’s wishing you a lovely week.

 

 

 

 

 

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Saturday – A Little Personal – Twiggy and Tempeste in the Sun

~ John W. Howell ~ 114 Comments

“Where you going, Twiggy?”

“I want to take a sun  bath.”

“Sunbath? What is a sunbath?”

“It’s where you lay out in the sun and let the sun warm your bones.

“Anything with the word bath in it can’t be good.”

“Oh, you would be surprised how good.”

“Do you need shampoo and stuff?”

“No, you just bring yourself and the sun take care of everything.”

“Does it get in your eyes and sting?”

“No, and your shampoo doesn’t do that either.”

“Do you get all wet and shivery?”

“Of course not; the sun is nice and warm. I’m heading for the cot.”

“I always make mom think I am being killed when she gives me a bath.”

“Yeah, I have heard you. Come on out here. It is lovely.”

“Okay, so I’m here.  What is that nasty stain?”

“It’s been here since we moved in. I think a worker dropped something on the concrete. Ignore it.”

“The weather is nice but I’m just unsure of the bath thingy.”

“Stop being a baby and get over here.”

“Whoa. You were absolutely right. This is like heaven.”

“I told you. Well, just relax and let the sun do its job.”

Detour on the Eternal Road Tour – Stop Four with C.S. Boyack

~ John W. Howell

Craig and I have known each other since 2013, when we were the same book club members. I have admired Craig’s work and am grateful he volunteered to host a stop on the Detour on the Eternal Road Tour. Here is the link to his post.

A little about Craig.

“I was born in Elko, Nevada. I like to tell everyone I was born in a small town in the 1940s. I’m not quite that old, but Elko has always been a little behind the times. This gives me a unique perspective of earlier times and other ways of getting by. Some of this bleeds through into my fiction.

I moved to Idaho right after the turn of the century, and never looked back. My writing career was born here, with access to other writers and critique groups I jumped in with both feet.

I like to write about things that have something unusual. My works are in the realm of science fiction, paranormal, and fantasy. The goal is to entertain you for a few hours. I hope you enjoy the ride.”

His latest book, Tracks of Infinity, can be found on Amazon along with his other 26 books. Here is Craig’s Author page. https://www.amazon.com/stores/author/B00ILXBXUY/

I have closed comments and would appreciate a visit to Craig’s site. Thank you

Views of the Neighborhood – Lakeway Story Walk Ribbon Cutting

~ John W. Howell ~ 76 Comments

Today, we are heading to the new Lakeway Story Walk ribbon cutting. According to the Lakeway Parks and Recreation site, here is some background.

“This year, we are thrilled to unveil our new Story Walk Display along the City Hall Trail! These Storywalk boards will feature seasonal displays year-round, offering a mix of holiday celebrations, cultural and historical education, and family-friendly stories. We hope this new addition will enhance your trail experience while providing an engaging and educational opportunity for all.

February Display: Black History Month
From January 31st through February 28th, explore our Black History Month celebration. This display highlights 28 influential Black figures who have profoundly shaped society.”

We are catered by Moonshine of Austin, and our entertainment is Aerosmith.

Menu

CHICKEN & WAFFLES – lemon butter, maple syrup, chipotle cream gravy

CHICKEN FRIED STEAK  –  chipotle cream gravy, Yukon mashers

CHICKEN ALMONDINE  – artichokes, lemon cream, Yukon mashers

GREEN CHILE MACARONI –  roasted chicken, corn bisque, bacon gratin

SALISBURY CHOP STEAK –  mushroom gravy, Yukon mashers

SEARED RAINBOW TROUT  – bacon cornbread stuffing, soft grits, chile butter

ST LOUIS PORK RIBS – dr. Pepper BBQ, tobacco onions, Yukon mashers

CENTER CUT PORK CHOP – peach chutney, herb salad, demi-glace, mashers

BLACKENED CATFISH – crawfish tails, hot sauce, pecan meunière, soft grits

JALAPEÑO HANGER STEAK – salsa verde, demi-glace, yukon mashers

HORSERADISHCRUSTEDSALMON- lemon dill butter sauce, brussels sprouts

CREOLE SHRIMP & GRITS  –  creole sauce, tasso ham, toasted baguette

Picture of an old time school bus

So, let’s get going

The Parks and Recreation table is ready with scissors and ribbon.

The Mayor, Tom Kilgore (R), and the City Manager, Joseph Molis, give some brief remarks.

With City Council members in attendance, the ribbon is cut to officially open the  Lakeway Story Walk.

An explanation of Black History Month.

The first to take the walk.

The displays are a permanent fixture, and the content will change monthly.

The first stop is Thurgood Marshall.

Dr. Martin Luther King

Jesse Owens

Jane Bolin and self-portrait.

Henrietta Lacks.

 

The trail continues for more but we are out of time and need to enjoy the music and food. I hope you have a great week. We will come back to the Story Walk.