Tuesday – Anything Possible – Finger Point Prompt – Tampering

June 2, 2026June 1, 2026 ~ John W. Howell ~ 55 Comments

Today, I opened Eternal Road – The final stop to page 267 and with eyes closed pointed. My finger fell closest to the word “tampered.” This is our prompt today

“Somebody tampered with my stuff.”

“What do you mean?”

“Look here.”

“What am I looking at?”

“See the mess?”

“I hate to say this, but your place is always a mess.”

‘Not like this.”

“Okay, spell it out for me. What’s wrong?”

“When I left this morning, everything was in its place. Now everything is strewn about.”

“It does look like someone came through here looking for something.”

“Who does that?”

“I must say it is a breach of your personal space.”

“Who has the unmitigated gall to trespass and mess with my stuff?”

“You know what?”

“What?”

“Is that mouse poop over there?”

“I’ll be darned. Doesn’t that take all?”

“What are you thinking?”

“My prey dares to come up here.”

“Gotta give him credit.”

“I’ll tell you what else I’m going to give him.”

“Like any self-respecting hawk, I hope it’s a dinner invitation.”

“Darned right.”

Top Ten Things Not to Do if You Helped Found Germantown, Pennsylvania in 1683.

June 1, 2026May 31, 2026 ~ John W. Howell ~ 50 Comments

In 1683, thirteen families from Krefeld, Germany, arrived in Philadelphia to begin Germantown, one of America’s oldest settlements. The Top Ten Things Not to Do provides advice (maybe a little late) if you found yourself part of that event. This post ran in October of 2018.

Top Ten Things Not to Do if You Helped Found Germantown, Pennsylvania in 1683.

10 If you are part of the Germantown expedition, do not wear your “I’d Rather be in Philadelphia,” T-shirt. If you do, at best, your neighbors may wonder where your loyalties lie. At worst, you just might be left behind in Philadelphia to fend for yourself. (You are years away from the invention of the Philly Cheese Steak, Farvardin, so life there may be hard.)

9 If you are part of the Germantown expedition, do not try to tell Sehr Klein (Tiny) the GWF (German Wrestling Federation) where he can camp. If you do, at best, he won’t understand your American German. At worst, you caught him just as he was released from a program of forced restraint and now wants to be free. (Looks like Sehr Klein has designs on demonstrating his Step Over Toe Hold on you, Fay. You do know how to wrestle, don’t you?)

8 If you are part of the Germantown expedition, do not admit you don’t like beer and would rather have a white wine. If you do, at best, the rest will be grateful that there is more for them. At worst, the powers that be may conclude that you are French. (Now you have to worry about being invaded, Felican. Don’t worry, just surrender and all will be well.)

7 If you are part of the Germantown expedition, do not think clever nicknames will be appreciated by your explorers. If you do, at best, no one will answer when you use them. At worst, folks will get the idea you are possessed. ( If you hold your breath long enough, you may survive the witch’s dunk tank, Felton. You now regret calling the leader “Fritz,” don’t you?)

6 If you are part of the Germantown expedition, do not refuse to live in a cave-like dwelling. If you do, at best, you’ll find a tent. At worst, you will not have a place when the winter snows settle in. (The cave homes were temporary, Feri. I think you ought to change your mind before those blue feet fall off.)

5 If you are part of the Germantown expedition, do not suggest a night on the town in Philadelphia. If you do, at best, it is a six-mile walk, and you’ll have to go alone. At worst, you’ll get some friends to join you, and they will make you the designated transport person. (Nothing like trying to carry a couple of passed-out revelers, huh, Finnan? Too bad horses won’t be brought to Germantown for another three years.)

4 If you are part of the Germantown expedition, do not suggest solving the food shortage with a delivery from Domino’s. If you do, at best, your cohorts will think you’re crazy. At worst, you will be tasked with going out foraging for nuts, berries, and squirrels. ( Looks like your nut allergy is going to sideline your efforts, Fidello. Good luck explaining what a nut allergy is to these fifteenth-century roughnecks)

3 If you are part of the Germantown expedition, do not complain when you get a blister on your hand from chopping down trees. If you do, at best, you will become the laughing stock of the settlement. At worst, you will be assigned a new job that is even harder. (How do you like playing the Ox on the front of that plow, Fionan? That whip sure clears the sinus, huh?)

2 If you are part of the Germantown expedition, do not try to form a football team to play Philadelphia. If you do, at best, you might get one or two players. At worst, you’ll field a whole team and have to face the Phillies. (Did you think this through, Finnolaugh? Those guys are huge and don’t have to walk six miles to play.)

1 If you are part of the Germantown expedition, do not try to sell brightly colored cloth and jewelry. If you do, at best, you have no buyers. At worst, since the community is made up of Mennonites, you might be the recipient of a religious intervention. (Nothing more elegant than having a group of bearded elders trying to exorcize the devil, huh, Flainn? Wow, that red-hot poker looks wicked.)

Views of the Neighborhood – Texas Flora Walk – Part ll

May 31, 2026May 30, 2026 ~ John W. Howell ~ 78 Comments

Today, we are going back to view the remaining Texas flora. If you missed last week, you can go HERE. We are catered by Roaring Fork of Austin, and our entertainment is The Proclaimers.

BIG ASS BURGER – poblano / cheddar / bacon / lettuce / tomato / onions / pickles / chipotle mayo
served with French fries
SHRIMP AND GRITS – cheddar grits, sweet corn butter, chorizo, fried egg
RAINBOW TROUT – green beans, fried capers, toasted almonds, brown butter, grilled lemon
CEDAR PLANK SALMON – teriyaki glaze, chilled green bean salad, soy butter
ROTISSERIE CHICKEN – cornbread sausage stuffing, green beans, lemon garlic jus
ROASTED DUCK – sugar chile cured, brussels sprouts, sweet onion jam, cherry mustard sauce
DUROC PORK CHOP – maple mustard glaze, sweet potato mash, apple chutney
BACON WRAPPED PORK TENDERLOIN – poblano grits, charred corn, cotija, chipotle balsamic reduction
AHI TUNA – seared rare, chimichurri, marinated tomatoes and avocado salad, citrus vinaigrette

Let’s get going.

Here is a photo of how the walk looks. These boards describe the flora found in Texas and not necessarily on the walk.

American Beautyberry.

Texas Lantana.

American Sycamore.

Texas Red Oak.

Chinese Privet.

Salt Cedar.

Heavenly Bamboo.

Ash Juniper is commonly called a cedar.

Bald Cypress.

It is time now to relax with the food and music. I hope you have a super week.

stream of Consciousness Saturday – Prompt “Impress”

May 30, 2026May 29, 2026 ~ John W. Howell ~ 63 Comments

Saturday is always a good day. It seems the coffee machine goes out of its way to impress the end user. Just this morning it said good morning without being prompted. It then produced this fine mug of coffee Just in time for the first sip to quell the percussion part of the Anvil Chorus playing in my head. The second sip brings the familiar steel stamping plant cacophony of the combination of the doorbell Westminster chime and the warnings from the watchdogs from hell as they attempt to bark the intruder to St. Louis. A toss of a delicious marrow bone into the soundproof room followed by the slamming of the door brings back peace in the valley.

A check of the monitor confirms a visitor looking very much like Henry the chicken with an envelope. Since there is a signature needed, with a sigh the security shutdown begins.

The B-2 bomber squadron and the F-35 escort must be called off. One call does it. The tank corps and gunboats are told to stand by. The Apache helicopters are rerouted. The electric shock fence is turned off. The drawbridge over the quicksand is lowered. The robot attack dogs returned to their charging station. The laser-guided machine guns on the roof are set to caution. The nest filled with rattlesnakes put away. The bucket filled with 1000 marbles is locked down. The tear gas canisters shut off. The electrified welcome mat set to off. The fall-away sidewalk into the pit filled with spikes is locked. The hornet’s nest closed. The water cannons are set to safety. Bear traps are set to off. Peregrine Falcons perched on the roof above front door fed. The vat of boiling oil set to warm. The front door is opened.

An envelope and clipboard are passed to me by Henry. “Where’s Foghorn Leghorn?” is a question met with a puzzled look. maybe it’s the wrong Henry. Passing the signed clip board back, Henry has his wing extended in the classic signal for a tip. “Never do anything you wouldn’t want to explain to the paramedics,” is my tip to Henry just before closing the front door.

The envelope is form Linda Hill and the message inside reads: Your Friday prompt for Stream of Consciousness Saturday is “impress” Use it as a verb, use it as a noun, use it any way you’d like. Enjoy!

To see how others responded to the prompt visit Linda’s post. Here is the link. https://lindaghill.com/2026/05/29/the-friday-reminder-and-prompt-for-socs-may-30-2026/

“You are not out to impress deliver people are you?”

“It’s not that.”

“What is it?”

“Our society is becoming tip crazy is all.”

“What do you mean.”

“There are tip requests everywhere. The last time I took an flight I bought a water at a self service kiosk. On the screen there was a place for a tip.”

“Might be a way to help offset low pay for the workers.”

“Then the workers ought to speak up. I’ll bet none of it gets to the workers.”

“Hard to know.”

“Restaurants are now adding 20% service charges to the bill and get this. They say it is not a tip for service. The tip is supposed to be added on.”

“Ive never seen that, but sound pretty strange. What’s it for”

“That’s what I thought. I don’t know. Maybe for someone to carry your order out to the table 99% spit free.”

“Yuk. You leave a tip?”

“What do you think?”

“Scrooge.”

“I did see a tip line on my carry out pizza order receipt. I thought they were kidding.”

“I’ll bet it wasn’t spit free then.”

“Don’t remind me. I can quarantine our Uber ride is tip free.”

“Why’s that? Do we have to carry the car?”

“No look over there.”

“Wow, a 1937 Cadillac. I’ll bet the catch is big.”

“Not at all.”

“Okay what is it.”

“On the way to the pub we have hold up signs.”

“What kind of signs?”

“Advertising signs.”

“What kind of advertising signs.”

“The grand opening kind of advertising.”

“Grand opening of what?”

“A supermarket.”

“That sounds okay.”

“One more thing.”

“Uh oh. Here it comes.”

“Not a big deal. We have to hand out zuccini.”

“Zuccini?”

“Yeah its a promotion. The store’s name is on the zuccini. Once the zuccini is gone we can head for the pub.”

“Wait. How much zuccini is there?”

“A few bushels.”

“Why don’t we just get a regular Uber.”

“What kind of story would that make.”

“Good point. Okay let’s go.”

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

May 29, 2026May 28, 2026 ~ John W. Howell ~ 80 Comments

Florida panthers in the Picayune Strand – credit, David Shindle Conservancy of Southwest Florida

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

Everglades Restoration Project Ongoing for 20-Plus Years Sees Huge Rewilding Success

By Andy Corbley – May 28, 2026

A huge area of the Everglades that was drained in an attempt to convert it to suburbia has been restored to a somewhat native ecosystem after 2 decades of reverse-landscape engineering.

Picayune Strand is a large, almost perfect rectangle of South Florida wetland, located northwest of Everglades National Park and northeast of Thousand Islands Nat. Wildlife Refuge, and west of the Florida Panther Nat. Wildlife Refuge.

It was part of an enormous land package bought by the real estate company Gulf American in the 1950s in an attempt to create America’s largest suburban housing development, called Golden Gate Estates.

But their effort to tame the swamp failed, even though substantial landscape alterations were made to try to dry out the area. Picayune Strand is 2 feet lower in elevation than the Golden Gate Estate land to the north, and this little difference made it virtually impossible to prevent flooding. The company went bankrupt.

One of the first projects identified and pursued by conservationists under the Everglades Restoration Plan of 2000, Picayune Strand has changed significantly over the years. Since 1985, conservationists have been buying up all the private, often unbuilt-on land that Gulf American had managed to sell. It was tedious lawyer’s work, but by 2004, it was all consolidated into a conservation package.

Gulf American built 4 large canals to channel water off the land they wanted to develop, while the earth and stone they churned up were used to crisscross the area with causeways, atop which roads ran. These were the first targets for groups like the Everglades Foundation, the Conservancy of Southwest Florida, and the US Army Corps of Engineers.

The hydrology of the Everglades is defined by water flowing across the once-7 million square miles all in the same direction at roughly the same snail’s pace, a phenomenon described as “sheet flow” through a “river of grass.” Huge areas remained flooded all year, and plugging the canals was the first step towards restoring the natural hydrology.

To restore this, the roads were torn up, and the materials were chucked back into the canals from whence they came.

One of the 3 pump stations – credit, Brigida Sanchez US Army Corps of Engineers

From macro to micro

“Picayune is as good a place in South Florida as there is, in terms of getting it back to what it was before,” Michael Duever, an ecologist who has been monitoring the Picayune project, told Yale News. “We’re feeling that we’re in the range of 90 plus-or-minus percent of restoration.”

There had to be some compromises, as people still live in Picayune Strand. Part of that 10% is missing; Duever refers to it as 3 pumping stations that pull rainwater out of the closed canals on the northern boundary of the Picayune project and dump it into large basins that will leak it out in many directions. The water level at times is higher than natural, however, and at other times drier.

Vegetation is coming back in a big way—not always ideally, but upland plants cannot now spread further south because of the continual water bodies. More native species that have missed the continual wetness are also returning—like a native, wild sunflower.

The restored Picayune is expected to help several endangered species, including the red-cockaded woodpecker and the Florida panther, while studies have already shown that increased insect abundance is benefiting the bonneted bat, the largest of its kind in Florida, with a wingspan greater than a foot.

“I kind of view Picayune Strand as a microcosm of the entire [Everglades] plan,” Stephen Davis, chief science officer at the Everglades Foundation, told Richard Mertens at Yale.

The good news in this story is that once a mistake is realized, many hands helped make it right again. Today’s JohnKu talks about rectifying mistakes. I hope you have a terrific weekend.

A mistake is made,

That threatens wildlife and Earth. . .

All hands are on deck.

Thursday – A Little Personal – Twiggy and Tempeste – Doing Nothing

May 28, 2026May 27, 2026 ~ John W. Howell ~ 102 Comments

“What do you think, Twiggy. Time we do something?”

“I suppose. You know those long weekends knock me out.”

“What are you doing in the kitchen?”

“You never know what those two might drop.”

“Yeah, like what?”

“Oh, I don’t know. Maybe a bit of cheese or cracker.”

“Okay, so I ran over here, and nothing. What are you doing in the laundry room?”

“I know Mom keeps toys in here, and I thought maybe I could snatch one.”

“Yeah, that’s rich. When has she ever just left a new toy lying around?”

“There is always a first time.”

“I’m going to ask the readers if you have lost your ever-lovin’ mind.”

“Well, it is worth a chance. There is something on the dryer.”

“Hey readers

“People out there are going to laugh at you.”

“You never can be too sure. A quick look over there . . . and no toy.”

“I’m going to ask someone to call 9-1-1 in a minute.”

“Okay, so there is no toy in there. Since when have you become so responsible?”

“Well, I’m trying to demonstrate that I’m maturing.” What’s that noise?”

“Sounds like someone went outside.”

“I think you’re right. Might not be a bad Idea.”

“Well, as long as there aren’t any new toys in here, why not?”

“Sure is nice out here. We can even see the flowers.”

“Maybe growing up might mean no leaf chewing.”

“It might take more than that.”

“So in the meantime, there is the fence.”

Tuesday – Anything Possible – Finger Point Prompt – “Complicated”

May 26, 2026May 26, 2026 ~ John W. Howell ~ 48 Comments

Today, I readomly opened Detour on the Eternal Road to page 147. With eyes closed, I pointed to the page. The word nearest to my finger is “complicated.” This is our prompt today.

“It’s complicated.”

“All I asked was how come you two are not together.”

“And I’m telling you there are complications to an easy answer.”

“I mean, you and he are always together.”

“Today we are not.”

“What happened? Is he sick?”

“No, nothing like that.”

“I guess I’m not going to get an answer.”

“As a friend, I guess you deserve an answer.”

“As a concerned friend.”

“Well, you know how he and I have worked together to build our house.”

“Yeah, I know.”

“And you know how delightful the property is with the beautiful lake and all.”

“I do. It is a special place. You two have done wonders.”

“We have had a slight argument.”

“Oh goodness, what about?”

“He thinks we should move and start another.”

“Why on Earth should you do that?”

“According to him, it is our duty to the environment.”

“So where is he now?”

“Off scouting another location. One that would benefit from our skills.”

“You mean a barren place with a trickle of water.”

“Exactly.”

“You guys do build nice dams for sure.”

“I just wish we could settle down in one place.”

“Maybe someday.”

“It’s not easy being a beaver.”

Top Ten Things Not to Do on Memorial Day

May 25, 2026May 24, 2026 ~ John W. Howell ~ 36 Comments

As in years past, I firmly believe that we should not forget the sacrifices of those who have died in service to this country. All ten points are the same.

Do not forget those who gave their lives so you may live in freedom.

Our flag honors those who sacrificed their lives for our freedom.

Views of the Neighborhood – Texas Flora

May 24, 2026May 23, 2026 ~ John W. Howell ~ 62 Comments

Today, we will view the Lakeway Walk of Texas Flora. There are 26 stops, so we won’t make all of them today. We’ll do half this week and the rest next. Also, the display cards are under glass, so the photographs are as good as I could make them. We are catered by Embers of Austin, and our entertainment is Johnnie Lee and Lane Brody.

Plantain Stack – Buttermilk Pancakes, Plantains, Whipped Cream, Plantain Pecan-Infused Syrup

Churros Toast – Dulce de Leche French Toast, Brioche Bread, Candied Pecan Multi-Grain Crunch, Piloncillo Strawberry Syrup, Fresh Strawberries, Mint

Ember Steak & Eggs – 8 oz Filet Mignon, Enchilada Sauce, Eggs “Your Way”, Black Beans

Chorizo Hash – Ground Chorizo, Diced Red Peppers, Poblano Peppers, Shallots, Beef Fat Potatoes, Egg, Salsa Dona, Hollandaise

Chilaquiles – Red Chile Sauce, Corn Tortilla Chips, Lime Crema, Eggs, Cilantro, Avocado

Wagyu Steak – 10 oz Market Cut, Ember Tortillas, Grilled Fennel & Onions, Salsa Dona

Josper Chicken – Orange and Guajillo Brine, Pollo ala Brasa, Achiote Chimichurri

Josper Burger – 8 oz Akaushi Wagyu, Oaxaca Cheese, Escabeche, Chipotle Aioli, Pork Belly, Brioche Bun

So, let’s get going.

Here is what the path looks like with the stations on either side. Let’s walk.

Texas Sage.

Agarita evergreen.

Mountain Laurel.

Yaupon Holly.

Lacy Oak.

Flame Acanthus.

Chinaberry.

Texas Persimmon

Texas Ash.

Pecan.

Cedar Elm.

Southern Live Oak.

Golden Bamboo.

Escarpment Live Oak.

Shin Oak.

Texad Redbud.

Turk’s Cap.

Time now to relax with food and entertainment.

Stream of Consciousness Saturday – Prompt – “May your…”

May 23, 2026May 22, 2026 ~ John W. Howell ~ 52 Comments

“ May your day be wonderful” is the message on the touchscreen of the coffee machine. For the life of me, I can’t imagine why the machine has started to provide motivational messages. The last software download must have led to the idea that we humans can change our emotional state at will. Oh well, it is a nice sentiment, and a touch of the two coffee buttons is a more practical way to alter a mood. The aroma of the magic elixer provides a hopeful sign that the day may, in fact, be wonderful. The first sip quells the 50-story fall climax of the grand piano feeling in my head, brought on by the lack of caffeine.

The second sip, as we have grown accustomed to hearing, is coupled with the cacophony of the Westminster chimes of the doorbell and the instantaneous iPhone unhealthy noise warning sound of Twiggy and Tempeste, believing with all their heart they are doing a good deed in causing eardrum-bleeding mayhem. A quick toss of a handful of kibble into the soundproof room and a slam of the door restores a kind of hush all over the world.

A look at the security monitor confirms the cause of the ruckus. Heckle and Jeckle, the yellow-billed magpies, fill the screen. Knowing that any discussion with these two will be fruitless, the security shutdown process has begun.

The B-2 bomber squadron and the F-35 escort must be called off. One call does it. The tank corps and gunboats are told to stand by. The Apache helicopters are rerouted. The electric shock fence is turned off. The drawbridge over the quicksand is lowered. The robot attack dogs returned to their charging station. The laser-guided machine guns on the roof are set to caution. The nest filled with rattlesnakes was put away. The bucket filled with 1000 marbles is locked down. The tear gas canisters shut off. The electrified welcome mat set to off. The fall-away sidewalk into the pit filled with spikes is locked. The hornet’s nest closed. The water cannons are set to safety. Bear traps are set to off. Peregrine Falcons perched on the roof above the front door were fed. The vat of boiling oil set to warm. The front door is opened.

It’s hard to tell who’s who, but one magpie had the envelope, and the other had the clipboard. Each gave me their item, and the clipboard was returned with a signature where indicated. Both held out wings in an obvious hint for a tip. “You don’t need to wait for permission to succeed, ” was my tip for the day. Stepping back through the front entrance and closing the door, the envelope from Linda Hill is opened. Here is the message:

Your Friday prompt for Stream of Consciousness Saturday is “may your…” Use the phrase “may your” in your post. Use it any way you’d like. Have fun!

To see what others have done with the prompt, visit Linda’s post https://lindaghill.com/2026/05/22/the-friday-reminder-and-prompt-for-socs-may-23-2026/.

“Heckle and Jeckle? I haven’t seen them for years.”

“I know. They made their first appearance in 1946, so they are 80 years old.”

“I can see why you invited them to the post.”

“What do you mean?’

“Old guy like yourself.”

“Well, as a kid, I liked them.”

“Hard to visualize you as a kid. Where did you watch them?”

“On TV and in comics.”

“TV? Was it invented when you were a kid?”

“Of course, it was. We had a black and white 10-inch screen.”