From our house to yours
Wishing you the Happiest of Holidays and a Wonderful New Year.
Tag: Eternal Road – The final stop
Stream of Consciousness Saturday – Prompt “Cozy.”
The sound of coffee being produced by the AI that is the cursed machine brings a feeling of joy to the heart. It is coffee that seals the overall cozy feeling that life is worth living. Without coffee, a barren wasteland that is barely existence unfolds in front of even the most optimistic soul.
Lucky for me, the machine decides to grant me one more day of bliss. Cup in hand and sip in mouth swallowed, a call goes out to Pepe Le Peu. “Oui Monsieur.” A spin in the direction of the answer reveals Pepe standing in the kitchen. The olfactory message sent to the brain is acknowledged with a nose hold.
Explaining to Pepe that he needs to put on a parachute takes a level of time that could only be described as excruciating. The thick oily scent from his glands is almost too much for the gag response. Finally, a promise of a robe designed by Resa achieves the goal. Unbeknownst to Pepe, the robe doubles as a parachute. Once he is airborne after being shot from the Trebuchet, the robe will gently bring him to Earth.
All is well as the rocket is nestled in the ballista, and Pepe is at ease in the Trebuchet. (sneaking Zanax into his coffee was my idea) He hands me an envelope just before I hit the launch button, which sends the rocket and Pepe screaming off into parts unknown but at least four streets away.
The envelope has a message from Linda Hill. Your Friday prompt for Stream of Consciousness Saturday is “cozy.'” Use it any way you like. Have fun! (And Merry Christmas if I don’t come back before then!)
If you want to join, our crew visit Linda’s blog and read how easy it is. Here’s the link https://lindaghill.com/2022/12/23/the-friday-reminder-and-prompt-for-socs-dec-24-2022/
Cozy by John W. Howell © 2023
“Well, that was a solution.”
“Yeah. Glad to get rid of the rocket and Pepe.”
“You are lucky your readers care enough to send suggestions.”
“Believe me, I know.”
“Otherwise, you would have to write yourself out of trouble.”
“Yeah. Could be a problem.”
“So this is Christmas eve.”
“Yes, it is. What are your plans.”
“Um, I think I’m going to cozy down, build a fire and watch a movie.”
“That sounds terrific, but you’ll be alone. Why not join us for Christmas eve?”
“Hmm. I don’t want to put you out.”
“Oh, stop. Since when does that happen?”
“Well, I can be a pain.”
“So true, but we can take it.”
“Let me think about it.”
“While you are thinking, consider two words.”
“Which two?”
“VooDoo Ranger.”
“Sold.”
Friday JohnKu – AKA- TGIF – Fri-Yay/Good News
Today’s good news story comes from the Good News Network. Here it is complete.
Man Spells Out ‘Hi Kevin’ in Lights for 20 Years–to Honor His Neighbor
Every Christmas, Mike Witmer gets out his colored lights to weave a very specific message out into the night.
Witmer says passersby are sometimes confused by his lights, which read ‘Hi Kevin’ across his roof, but it’s to honor the memory of a young boy who passed away from cancer in 2010.
For the past two decades, he has featured a reference to Kevin in his light displays. Kevin was diagnosed with cancer in 2002 when he was just 11. That year Mike had written ‘Get Well Kevin’ in lights.
The pair had lived on neighboring roads, and Kevin had loved seeing Mike’s light displays each December.
He continued to reference the lad in his lights every year until his tragic death eight years later in June 2010.
Mike vowed to honor Kevin’s life by continuing their much-loved tradition of installing his largest display yet on his roof so that Kevin could still see the lights from above.
“Kevin was a cool kid in the neighborhood. He swam on the local swim team with my kids, and we all became friends,” said Witmer from Gaithersburg, Maryland.
“When I heard he had cancer and was going through chemo and radiotherapy, I wanted to support him. I had this idea to write ‘Get Well Kevin’ in my Christmas lights—what 11-year-old doesn’t want to see their name in lights?”
Witmer continued to do it every year, even after his cancer went into remission and Kevin went off to college.
“But he had just finished his first year of college when the cancer came back—and it took him,” he recalled. “I told everyone to come by that year, and the ‘Hi Kevin’ would be bigger so he can see it from up in heaven.”
“This is my 20th anniversary of the tribute to Kevin, and I’ll keep doing it every year as long as I’m able.”
Kevin’s mother told Witmer that Kevin loved the display so much that he had asked if it would be done every year.
“I thought, ‘how could I not?’ and the tradition was born,” he said.
Every year after that, Mike would find some way to display a tribute to Kevin in his lights display, placing it in a different spot for Kevin to find, like a game of Where’s Waldo.
He recently shared the sweet story of his and Kevin’s relationship in a Facebook post, which was shared widely and attracted thousands of likes and comments by people touched by his tribute.
The good news here is this man brought cheer to someone very much in need. Today’s JohnKu talks about those in need. I hope you have a Joyous Holiday.
Cheer by John W.Howell 2023
It might be something,
Very small that cheers a heart. . .
Don’t miss the good deed.
Thursday – A Little Personal – Twiggy and Lucy and the Holiday
“Hey, Lucy. You ever wonder about those things hanging on the wall.”
“Huh? What are you talking about?”
“Look over here. I didn’t notice these before. Here’s one with T on it.”
“Those are stockings hung so Santa can fill them. That T is for Twiggy.”
“Mom. What did you put on Lucy’s Paws?”
“A little gift in advance of Santa’s visit.”
“Why does this big one say “Naughty?”
” I guess that would be yours then.”
“No, I’m sure that’s yours. It’s the biggest. I’ll take the little one.”
“Suit yourself. I think either one would be okay.”
“Hey, this one says ‘Naughty’ on it too.”
“Of course it does. I’ll bet if you turn it over, it will say ‘Nice.”
“How did you know that?”
“Been around the farm a few times, I suppose.”
“Yup, it says nice on the other side.”
“This one does too. ”
“I guess then it doesn’t matter about the words. You can have mine.”
“Well, thank you, Little One. I think.”
“There we go. The bigger bone goes to the smartest.”
“Well, I wouldn’t go that far.”
“I think that this little one is tastier.”
“I’m sure it is. Well, let me know when you decide which one you want.”
Tuesday – Anything Possible – Kreative Kue #391 by Keith Channing
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 your offering (or a link to it) in a comment or email it to me at keithchanning@gmail.com before Sunday evening UK time. 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. Thank you for taking part.”
The link to Keith’s post. https://keithchanning.wordpress.com/2022/12/19/kreative-kue-391/
The photo.
The Pickup by John W. Howell © 2023
“Where are you?”
“Standing on the corner by this green pole on Wayfair street.”
“What’s the cross street.”
“All I see is one sign.”
“What does it say?”
“One way.”
“Yeah, that helps. Can you give me anything that would pinpoint your location?”
“I have a red purse.”
“I mean a landmark.”
“The First National Bank, you mean?”
“Okay, is the bank in front of you or behind you?”
“Behind me.”
“Ah, I think I see you.”
“Terrific.”
“But I must go around the block ’cause I can’t get over.”
“Oh, just take your time. No rush at all.”
“You are being sarcastic, right?”
“You sure pick up stuff quickly for an idiot.”
“Now, now. This could happen to anyone.”
“NOT TO SOMEONE WHO IS SUPPOSED TO BE THE GET-A-WAY DRIVER; IT DOESN’T.”
“Okay, be calm. I’ll be there in a minute.”
“I sure hope it’s before the cops do.”
“Don’t worry, they’re behind me.”
“Wonderful.”
Top Ten Things Not to Do as a Winter Texan
This post was run on December 8th, 2014. We were living on the coast then, and now that we are in a more citified environment, we don’t see many Winter Texans. However, I’m sure this list would still be handy to those living by the Gulf.
* * *
This week’s top ten list is inspired by the fact that we on the South Texas coast are in the process of the annual migration of the northerners, which we call Winter Texans. We like to be friendly to those who choose to winter over here, but it is sometimes tricky. Not all the temporary Texans are the kind of people you want in the community, but since it is almost impossible to weed out the less desirable, we have to take the bad with the good. Interestingly, most of these people are retired, and one would think they learned something in their sixty-five-plus years on this Earth. Since you are not a Winter Texan, I hope you enjoy the list. If you are, then see if it applies to you.
Top Ten Things Not to Do as a Winter Texan
10 If you are a Winter Texan, do not drive your fifth wheel and trailer at forty miles per hour in a sixty-mile speed zone on the main two-lane road. If you do, at best, you may have to put up with the glares and tailgating of those trying to get around you. At worst, you could cause some hothead to take unnecessary risks trying to pass with possible tragic results.
9 If you are a winter Texan, do not fail to respond to a local greeting of “Good Morning.” If you do, at best, the locals will take note of your state and never visit there. At worst, you will convince all locals who come into contact with you that Winter Texans should be avoided and unfriendly. (We Texans put a lot of stock in returned kindness and Good morning is the least of kindnesses)
8 If you are a Winter Texan on a fixed income, do not help yourself to the salt & pepper shakers and sugar packets when you visit a restaurant. If you do, at best, the next person will have to do without. At worst, you will convince the local restaurateur to keep all condiments behind the counter for on-demand use creating an environment of inconvenience for others.
7 If you are a Winter Texan, and want to fish, do not fail to get a license. If you do, at best, you will not contribute to the preservation of coastal fishing that fees provide. At worst, you could find yourself handcuffed over the hood of a Wildlife Ranger’s truck which will be the beginning of a very annoying process that could mean spending some portion of your golden years in jail.
6 If you are a winter Texan, do not go over the catch limits. If you do, at best, you will contribute to declining numbers of certain species. At worst, you could end up like number seven.
5 If you are a Winter Texan, do not allow your dogs or yourself to use the beach as a private outhouse. If you do, at best, you will be contributing to polluting the environment. At worst, you will be breaking the law and could find yourself fined for littering or arrested for indecent exposure. You would have to admit the sight of an unclothed senior citizen would indeed be indecent.
4 If you are a Winter Texan shopping at the local stores, do not slip items into your farm overalls and then forget about them. If you do, at best, you will contribute to higher retail prices to cover shrinkage. At worst, your pants may let go just as you pass the town constable, and the unavoidable noise of products hitting the floor may be too much to ignore, not to mention the view of those “greatest grandparent” boxers.
3 If you are a Winter Texan, do not try to build the biggest bonfire on the beach. If you do, at best, you will need to stay up all night to watch it. At worst, you neglect to stay up all night to watch it, sparks from your conflagration jump to the dunes, and you are responsible for wiping out the west side of town.
2 If you are a Winter Texan, do not drive your dual-wheel pickup near the waterline. If you do, at best, you will contribute to the demise of delicate creatures who come in contact with your heavy tires. At worst, you may start an ecosystem chain reaction that could cause the abandonment of the area by those animals and birds that relied on the delicate creatures as a food source.
1 If you are a Winter Texan, do not leave anything behind. If you do, at best, the locals will spend additional tax money cleaning your mess. At worst, your trash, old fishing line, beer cans, cigarette butts, and six-pack carriers could end the life of a precious being that might be the final straw in the ecological balance. Then folks will really be pissed, and you don’t want that.
Views of the Neighborhood – Holiday Home Decoration
Well, here we are on the last Sunday before Christmas. This means we need to tour the neighborhood to view the holiday decorations. The Producer and I previewed the decorations and selected the final choices. There were nine categories of the display. The tenth is one for you to describe and is at the end of the post. We are doing some hot chocolate on the bus because, believe it or not, it is cold outside. We found some suggested combos for the chocolate, so all the makings are available for you to make your own. Our entertainment is She and Him. (Don’t miss this one)
Menu suggestions.
So get on, and let’s go.
The first category is Best Mailbox Display – Perfect Texas tie-in.
The Second category is the Best Use of a Vehicle.
Next is Best Traditional Display
The Fourth is Best Candy Cane Display. This is the Lakeway police station.
The Fifth is Best Runway Light Display
The Sixth is the Most Overdone Inflatable Display. Can you count them?
The Seventh is The Best Crossover Holiday Display.
The Eighth is The Best Cultural Display.
The Ninth is the Best Completely Over the Top Display.
And finally, here is the one that you choose the category. Just let us know in the comments.
So that is our tour. Time to relax and enjoy the music and hot chocolate. Wishing you a terrific week
Stream of Consciousness Saturday – Prompt – “Anyway”
Anyway. It seems like a long wait for the machine to build that delicious, frothy, steaming cup of soothing syrup. Other activities can occur while hoping for a total lack of technical hick-up that delays delivery. Shopping online can go uninterrupted while the snorts and creaks of the machine verify continued operation. Finally, the aroma of the liquid fills the air as the cursed AI master delivers the goods.
Grabbing the cup and the first sip reminds me of the continued worry in the backyard. Pepe has been working for a week on setting up the ballista to launch the rocket out of the yard. Then, last week, the comments section produced Resa’s suggestion that the Trebuchet could launch the skunk after the missile is gone.
Such a possibility will bring welcome relief to my sanity and olfactories. The only flea in the ointment is devising a plan to get Pepe to sit in the Trebuchet for a moment before release. Also, a consideration must be made for Pepe’s safety since he will fall at a velocity that could produce injuries. A parachute of some kind would do the trick. So, the next problem will be getting Pepe to put on the chute before sitting on the Trebuchet.
As the furrows in my brow threaten my vision, the warm scent of Pepe fills the living room air. “Pardon, Monsieur, but the ballista is loaded and ready for take-off.” Trying to keep as much distance from Pepe as possible, I nod. He places an envelope on an end table and raises his eyebrows. “Let me read this. and then we will go out to inspect the ballista. Holding my breath and moving slowly, the envelope is scooped off the table. Once opened, it reveals a message from Linda Hill. It reads. Your Friday prompt for Stream of Consciousness Saturday is “start your post or one paragraph with the word ‘anyway.'” Bonus points if you start your post with “anyway” and regular points if you use it in a paragraph somewhere else in your post. Enjoy!
If you would like to participate in this exercise of fantasy, visit Linda’s blog and read how easy it is. Here is the link. https://lindaghill.com/2022/12/16/the-friday-reminder-and-prompt-for-socs-dec-17-2022/
Anyway by John W. Howell © 2023
“Anyway, you did get the bonus points.”
“Yes indeed. Nailed that sucker.”
“So what are you going to do about the skunk?”
“As you read, I have a plan.”
“That skunk will empty his stink tanks on you if you try to put him in a parachute.”
“I know. So, there has to be a way to trick him.”
“You know your neighbor has a black and white cat.”
“Yeah?”
“Why don’t you outfit it with a parachute and then convince Pepe that they could go skydiving together.”
“Hmm. Not a bad plan. How do we keep the cat calm?”
“Sheesh, what am I? The military joint chiefs? That’s your problem.”
“Yeah, okay. Just thought you had an idea.”
“Give it some beer. I don’t know.”
“Wait a minute. How about some catnip?”
“Now you’re talking. Drug the cat.”
“It is not like drugs. They just love it, that is all. All Pepe has to see is the cat in the chute. The catnip will keep her happy.”
“And distracted from the chute.”
“Exactly.”
“Speaking of distracted, isn’t it time for the Pub run?”
“You want to stay here. I just got a twelve-pack of VooDoo Ranger Imperial.”
“Not sure twelve will be enough.”
“Trust me, it will.”
“How do you know?”
“Imperial is 9% Alcohol. Six for you is more than enough.”
“I’ll take your word. Got snacks?”
“Goldfish and peanuts.”
“Perfect.”
“And the price is right.”
“Even better.”
Friday JohnKu – AKA – TGIF – Fri-Yay/Good News
Today’s good news story comes from the Good News Network. Here it is in its entirety.
Landscape Company Gives Employees $28 Million in Appreciation Bonuses for Job Well Done
End-of-year bonuses are always a welcomed sight, but these smiles bear witness to an extraordinary act of corporate generosity.
Ruppert Landscaping gave bonuses of between $7,000 to $200,000 to all employees with a tenure of over one year “as a thanks for the role they’ve played in the company’s growth and development.”
A total of 1,200 workers, excluding those in top leadership positions, received the enormous thank you presents which added up to be $28 million.
The company says normal end-of-year bonuses were not deducted or altered by the gifts, which were announced at staff meetings, nor were any of the other benefits, which include 401(K) matching, health insurance, paid time off, and holidays.
“Everyone receiving this bonus was instrumental in helping create the value that we’ve been able to realize,” said CEO Craig Ruppert. “This bonus is money that is well-deserved and a way for us to acknowledge the value of our teams’ contributions and the essential role that they will play in our company’s future.”
The company’s history dates to the 1970s when Craig Ruppert, then a teenager, began cutting his neighbors’ yards to earn money. From those early and humble beginnings, the company has grown dramatically and now includes a talented management team with projects that have grown in scale and complexity.
Residential lawns turned into developments, parks, and corporate campuses, while the focus on hustle and efficiency expanded to include horticultural knowledge and technical specialization. Today, the company serves commercial clients in over nine states from 30 locations and continues its tradition of charitable giving at the local level.
The good news here is a company recognizes the contributions of its employees. Today’s JohnKu talks about recognition. I hope you have a wonderful weekend.
Thankful by John W. Howell © 2023
A company thinks,
Employees equal success. . .
Would love to work there.
Thursday – A Little Personal – Lucy and Twiggy Conversation
“Look at this, Little One; it looks like Dad and his leaf sucker were at work.”
“I can’t believe how leaf free the turf is now.”
“Well, there are a couple still left.”
“But notice there are none stuck to your paws.”
“Very true. You know that is a real pain when it happens.”
“I wonder where Dad take all those leaves?”
“Humm. I was going to have a quick answer then discovered I really don’t know.”
“Is this another life mystery that we have to solve?”
“I hope not. There are so many other mysteries that seem a little more important.”
“Like what?”
Let me see. Ah here’s one. Where do squirrels sleep at night?”
“That is a good one. I never thought about that before.”
“How about this? Were do tuggy toys come from.”
“Mom always gives us tuggy toys.”
“Where does she get them”
“You are starting to make my brain hurt. Let’s change the subject.”
“Okay. How far am I from you right now?”
“You think dogs know anything about distance? How should I know?”
“You wanted me to change the subject.”
“I’m beginning to think we need some reference material. Maybe a Google account.”
