Stream of Consciousness Saturday – Prompt – “Scratch An Itch”

January 31, 2026January 30, 2026 ~ John W. Howell ~ 57 Comments

A big ole mug of hot steaming golden elixir will scratch an itch that is accompanied by the screaming klaxon, low caffeine warning horn in my head. The salvation is delivered quickly, and the first sip reminds me how dependency can rule your life. The second sip is accompanied by the Saturday disruption of the Westminster chimes at the front door. Pulling Twiggy and Tempeste off the ceiling and giving them an incentive to enter the soundproof room with a fresh knuckle bone tossed in. Slamming the door brings back the silence that should be the norm for the day.

A check of the security monitor shows a visit from none other than someone who looks like Bugs Bunny. After the usual back-and-forth, it was determined that a signature for the delivery was needed. With a sigh, the process of shutting down the security system begins.

The SWAT team needs to be put on standby. A quick text to the leader confirms that status. Also, the flight of A-10 Warthogs must be diverted. Another call to the commander puts that worry to rest. The SEAL team needs to be called off, and a call to the leader makes that possible. A call to the tow truck driver stops the deployment of an M1A1 Abrams Tank. The control panel simplifies the shutdown process of the security system. The boiling oil vats are put on standby, the turret mortars disengaged, the Trebuchet on safety, the concertina wire rolled, the Claymore mines reset, the tower Gatling guns on safety, the moat net dropped, the alligators fed, and the IEDs and shoulder-held rockets put away. The Proton torpedoes switched off. The gamma ray beams covered. The high-powered maser guns switched to standby, and the nanorobots were chained in the basement. The Klingons are called back, and the Targ is caged. Robbie’s Bot is sent to the basement. The locks on the door are thrown. And the door opened.

After signing on the spot indicated, the Bugs look-a-like hands me an envelope and holds his paw out for a tip. “Here’s my tip. When it is scary to jump, that’s when you jump.” With that, the door was closed with me behind it. The envelope is from Linda Hill, and inside is a message. It reads: Your prompt for #JusJoJan the 31st and Stream of Consciousness Saturday is: “scratch an itch.” Use it any way you’d like. Have fun!

To see what others have done with the prompt, visit Linda’s post. Here is the link. https://lindaghill.com/2026/01/30/the-friday-reminder-for-socs-jusjojan-2026-daily-prompt-for-jan-31st/

“Pretty blunt with the bunny.”

“Well, he should know that when it’s time to jump, you have to jump, or you might be afraid to do so in the future.”

“Oh, I get it. Rabbit’s hop.”

“No, it’s a general statement. It’s easy to do stuff when there is no danger of failure. The hard stuff is when the risk of failure is high.”

“Did you go to a seminar this week?”

“No. Just a thought I had while the bunny was on the porch.”

“I see your ice is gone.”

“Yeah. When we moved to Texas, we gave away our snow shovel. So we have to wait for Mother Nature to take care of it.”

“Didn’t you move from California to Texas?”

“Yeah, but we hung on to that shovel for years after moving to California from the Midwest.”

“Who in California would want a snow shovel?”

“Our neighbor had a cabin in snow country.”

“Oh.”

“I need to scratch an itch.”

“What’s that?”

“I think it is VooDoo time.”

“Uber’s over there.”

“That’s a 1941 Dodge pick-up.”

“It’s a beauty.”

“It can fit the three of us.”

“Yup.”

“What’s the catch?”

“It’s not bad.”

“Okay, then what is it?”

“We have to help milk the cows for the evening milking.”

“What? I’ve never milked a cow.”

“Don’t worry. It’s all done by machines. All we have to do is feed them.”

“How many?”

“Um. Four hundred.”

“You need smacked, you know that?”

“The ride is free.”

“Doesn’t sound free to me.”

“Come on. It will be fun.”

“They said.”

Friday JohnKu – TGIF – Fri-Yay/Good News

January 30, 2026January 29, 2026 ~ John W. Howell ~ 65 Comments

Courtesy of DC Snow Heroes / The Mayor’s Office of Community Affairs (via Instagram)

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

‘DC Snow Heroes’ Shovel Neighbors Out of Trouble After Winter Storms

By Andy Corbley – Jan 29, 2026

After low winter temperatures battered multiple regions of the country with snow, heroes in Washington, DC, stood up to be accounted for.

With major thoroughfares taking priority for District plows and employees, the ‘DC Snow Heroes’ hit the blocks, shovels in hand, to clear sidewalks for the elderly, the young, the disabled, or even just the overwhelmed.

Organized by the mayor’s office, Serve DC is a volunteer program that includes a special segment whose mission it is to shovel snow and clear ice—both of which had accumulated in the District at the start of this week.

“As a community, we have to stick together, we have to do what we can do for one another, and it’s a lot of people that [are] unable to do things, so that’s where we come in,” David Ford, one of the Snow Heroes, told DC News Now.

“Service is the gateway to all success,” remarked another volunteer when asked why he volunteers his time shoveling snow.

The storm had dumped mounds of dry snow 10 inches high on Sunday, which promptly refroze over the evening, making it treacherous to walk on.

Volunteers cleared both the snow and the ice in front of homes like that of Shirley Thomas, a DC resident who needs a crutch to get around.

“It’s not too many people in the world like that,” she said watching the Snow Heroes do their heroics.

Organized by the mayor’s office of Muriel Bowser, anyone living in the area looking to be a hero, as David Bowie said, just for one day, can go to the Serve DC website.

“It is outstanding… This is really neighbors helping your neighbors, showing the kind of community and love that the mayor thrives off that we are building, and making sure that we sustain a district,” said Lamont Carey, Director of Community Affairs for the Mayor’s Office.

The good news in this story is that people are helping people. The JohnKu discusses Service. I hope you have a super weekend.

No work is greater,

Then that done for another . . .

Grace is in sharing.

Here is a video with the story.

Thursday – A Little Personal – Twiggy and Tempeste Inside.

January 29, 2026January 29, 2026 ~ John W. Howell ~ 113 Comments

Here’s what was outside. Meanwhile inside.

“The puma makes a preemptive strike on the panther.”

“The panther is ready.”

“The puma does the famous step over maneuver.”

The panther does a kung fu kick, which takes the puma off guard.”

“The puma decides a clutch hold will work best.”

“The panther works to break the hold.”

“The puma brings the panther to the floor.”

“The panther prepares for another lunge.”

“The puma lets out a terrific roar.”

“The panther bares her sharp, shiny teeth.”

“The puma defends against the attempt at a choke hold.”

“The panther prepares to toss the puma to the mat.”

“The puma breaks away and does the defensive roll.”

“The panther follows up for the kill.”

“The puma grabs the panther in the death squeeze.”

“The panther begins to laugh since the death squeeze seems more like a hug.”

“The puma joins the laughter.”

“That was great, Twiggy. We should do this more often.”

“I agree, but like everything, the time has to be right.”

“Yeah, like when there is ice and snow outside.”

Tuesday – Anything Possible – Finger Point Prompt – Approach

January 27, 2026January 26, 2026 ~ John W. Howell ~ 53 Comments

Today, I randomly opened Detour on the Eternal Road to page 67. With eyes closed, I pointed to the page. The word closest to my finger is “approach.” This is the prompt today.

“Nice approach. Now let’s see you sink that one.”

“You know it makes me nervous when you are watching.”

“How can I help but watch. I’m right here.”

“Maybe you could just turn around and look the other way.”

“That is the dumbest thing I’ve ever heard. It can’t make that much difference.”

“But it does.”

“Why?”

“Well, I know you will be evaluating my technique.”

“Technique?” Oh, come on now. I’ve watched you sink hundreds. I don’t recall a technique.”

“So you say.”

“I’m serious. If you asked me to explain your so-called technique, I would be at a loss for words.”

“Could you humor me then?”

“And turn away?”

“Yes.”

“Oh, all right. I was going to offer some advice, though.”

“Like what?”

“Once you sink that bird, tuck it under a log. You can then come back for it.”

“That is a great suggestion. Where’d you learn that?”

“You know that old gator who hangs out in the West swamp?”

“Grumpy old fart?”

“That’s the one. That’s his approach to saving the game. He taught me that.”

“Well, okay. Thank you. Never mind the turnaround. Here I go. I know just the log.”

“When you come back, we’ll lie out in the sun.”

“I’d like that. See you soon.”

Top Ten Things Not to Say in a Doctor’s Office.

January 26, 2026January 25, 2026 ~ John W. Howell ~ 88 Comments

This list was first published on January 18th 2016. Since we all end up in a doctor’s office sooner or later, I think it’s still useful.

Top Ten Things Not to Say in a Doctor’s Office.

10 If you are in a doctor’s office, do not say “What’s up, doc?” If you do, at best, you’ll get a look. At worst, the doctor will decide a digital exam is a must-do. (You just had one of these the last time you were here, right?)

9 If you are in a doctor’s office, do not say, “I’m not a doctor but play one on TV.” If you do, at best, you’ll get a chuckle. At worst, you will be asked for a diagnosis of yourself. (Who knows if you are right or not)

8 If you are in a doctor’s office, do not say, “Do I get some painkillers?” If you do, at best, the doctor will make sure there are no refills. At worst, you will have to pass scrutiny to ensure you’re not a pillhead. (You thought it was an innocent remark, right, Bucky?)

7 If you are in a doctor’s office, do not say, “Why am I still waiting? My time is valuable.” If you do, at best, you will feel better but will still wait longer. At worst, the minimum wage receptionist will accidentally slip your name down the list until you are first tomorrow. (Looking at your watch sixty times an hour won’t help either)

6 If you are in a doctor’s office, do not say, “I can get this medicine on the internet at half the price.” If you do, at best, you will be ignored and will still get the prescription. At worst, you will be invited to buy your drugs online and to consult a doctor online as well. (Well. That didn’t work out the way you planned, did it, Homer?)

5 If you are in a doctor’s office, do not say, “I have filled out these forms ten times already.” If you do, at best, you will get a kindly smile and a request to fill out the form. At worst, you will be branded a troublemaker, and the clerk will make sure you will need to complete the form until your last day on Earth. (Would have been easier to fill out the form one more time and hope for the best.)

4 If you are in a doctor’s office, do not say, “How soon will the doctor be in to see me?” If you do, at best, the answer will be the same as you’ve heard while waiting on the phone for customer service.”The doctor is busy with other patients and will be here shortly.” At worst, the nurse will inform the doctor that you are in a rush, and he’ll be in and out of your exam room in twenty seconds. (I hope he is right about the need for a barium enema. Aren’t you?)

3 If you are in a doctor’s office, do not say,” Please file that insurance paperwork for me.” If you do, at best, the reimbursement will be delayed. At worst, the clerk will quit next Wednesday and toss all the incomplete paperwork in the wastebasket. (Well, it was only a $125.00 after all)

2 If you are in a doctor’s office, do not say, “This is not how Doctor Smith handled me.” If you do, at best, you’ll be informed that Dr. Smith is no longer your doctor and “we” know best. At worst, you will be kindly asked to join Dr. Smith, who is currently working with Doctors Without Borders in the jungle somewhere. (Dr. Smith wasn’t all that good after all, right?)

1 If you are in a doctor’s office, do not say, “I just can’t lose weight no matter what I do.” If you do, at best, you will be given an extensive list of foods you can eat and asked to keep a diary for the next month. At worst, the doctor will provide you with some medicine that makes everything you eat taste like cod liver oil. (Now we both know no such drug exists, so tell me why it works.)

Views of the Neighborhood – Getting Ready for Iceageddon

January 25, 2026January 24, 2026 ~ John W. Howell ~ 89 Comments

Today, we are going to tour the neighborhood to see how folks have prepared for the below-freezing temperatures that will persist until Monday. Texas has not been spared from the misery of the massive winter storm that has affected over 240 million Americans. We are catered by Briskets in Austin. Our entertainment is Foreigner.

BISCUIT SANDWICHES

BRISKET & JELLY – Sliced Brisket with Smoked Strawberry Jelly

PORK BELLY & JELLY – Sliced Pork Belly with Spiced Apple Pear Preserves

CHOPPED BRISKET – Tossed in BBQ Sauce with Cheddar Cheese & Pickles

P.B.L.T – Smoked than Seared Pork Belly, Dressed Arugula, & Tomato with Arbol Hot Sauce

SAUSAGE & JELLY – Split 1/2 Link Hot Gut Sausage with Smoked Jalapeño Habanero Pepper Jelly

BLUEBERRY SAUSAGE & JELLY – Split 1/2 Link Blueberry Gouda Sausage with Smoked Blueberry Jam

BRISKET, EGG, & CHEDDAR – Sliced Brisket, Scrambled Egg, & Cheddar

PORK BELLY, EGG, & CHEDDAR – Sliced Pork Belly, Scrambled Egg, & Cheddar

SAUSAGE, EGG, & CHEDDAR – Split 1/2 Link Hot Gut Sausage, Scrambled Egg, & Cheddar

BACON, EGG, & CHEDDAR – Bacon, Scrambled Egg, & Cheddar

TOMATO, EGG, & CHEDDAR – Tomato, Scrambled Egg, & Cheddar

Let’s go

Here is the sleeping ghost look.

The hostage look.

Ghosts in the woods look.

Frost cloth and granny’s quilt look.

Mock turtle.

The more clutter, the better. Hold my beer.

Attention, you people down there.

Lying very low.

I love my tarp, and there is plenty of it.

There’s no mountain high enough.

I meet the ice with open arms.

Big blue.

Well, now that we are sufficiently chilled to the bone, let’s enjoy the music and the food.

Stream of Consciousness Saturday – Prompt – “Take Another Look”

January 24, 2026January 24, 2026 ~ John W. Howell ~ 60 Comments

The coffee machine sits in silence, waiting for orders. As a hapless slave to a caffeine addiction, there is no way to tolerate a malfunction. Yet the message on the touch pad screen says, “Message 666 see owners manual.” Flipping through the pages, message 666 finally pops up before my caffeine-starved, red-rimmed eyes. “Take Another Look,” was all it said. Looking back at the touchpad screen, the message reads “Got Cha,” and then the menu appears. Shaking my head, the two coffee selections are made, and my patience is rewarded with an eight-ounce mug of brain-saving elixir.

One sip, and the Westminster chimes and Igor’s hounds all begin a cacophony that threatens the eardrums. A quick toss of doggie treats for each and the slamming of the door to the soundproof room brings silence to the Earth. A glance at the security monitor shows Frosty the Snowman on the porch. Of course, the attempt is made to have the delivery left, but as usual, a signature is needed. With a sigh, the security shut-down process begins.

The SWAT team needs to be put on standby. A quick text to the leader confirms that status. Also, the flight of A-10 Warthogs must be diverted. Another call to the commander puts that worry to rest. The SEAL team needs to be called off, and a call to the leader makes that possible. A call to the tow truck driver stops the deployment of an M1A1 Abrams Tank. The control panel simplifies the security system’s shutdown process. The boiling oil vats are put on standby, the turret mortars disengaged, the Trebuchet on safety, the concertina wire rolled, the Claymore mines reset, the tower Gatling guns on safety, the moat net dropped, the alligators fed, and the IEDs and shoulder-held rockets put away. The Proton torpedoes switched off. The gamma ray beams covered. The high-powered maser guns switched to standby, and the nanorobots were chained in the basement. The Klingons are called back, and the Targ is caged. Robbie’s Bot is sent to the basement. The locks on the door are thrown. And the door opened.

Frosty points to the clipboard where to sign. After he hands me an envelope and holds out a mitten hand in the classic tip gesture, the tip of the day is delivered. “Better go and play before you melt away.” Stepping back through the front door, I give it a mighty slam. The envelope is from Linda Hill, and the message inside reads: Your prompt for #JusJoJan the 24th and Stream of Consciousness Saturday is: “take another look.” Use it any way you’d like. Enjoy!

To see what others have done with the prompt, visit Linda’s post. Here is the link. https://lindaghill.com/2026/01/23/the-friday-reminder-for-socs-jusjojan-2026-daily-prompt-for-jan-24th/

“What was Frosty the snowman doing in Texas?”

“Taking advantage of the below-freezing temperatures today, tomorrow, and Monday.”

“Wow. That’s not right. You Southerners aren’t built for that kind of weather.”

“No kidding. We wear knitted caps and gloves when it hits 50 degrees (10 C).”

“A bunch of weenies if you ask me.”

“You are the first to squeal when it hits 100 (37.7 C) in the summer.”

“Who wouldn’t?”

“Not Texans.”

“Whatever. We need to get to the pub, and the Uber is over there.”

“Wait a minute. We can’t go in that.”

“Why?”

“It only seats two, and it’s freezing out here.”

“Take another look. There is a backseat.”

“Who’s going to squeeze in there?”

“I will. There is one errand we have to make, though.”

“Uh huh. I thought so.”

“It’s an easy one.”

“What is it?”

“We need to drop off some moonshine on the way.”

“You are kidding, right?”

“No, this is a real-life Smoky and the Bandit.”

“Can I say no?”

“And miss a VooDoo Ranger?”

“My better judgment says, ‘Pass.” I’ll meet you at the pub.

“Okay, then I’ll stay with you. Let’s call another Uber.”

“Good thinking.”

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

January 23, 2026January 23, 2026 ~ John W. Howell ~ 63 Comments

Today’s good news story comes from the Community Impact Newsletter. Thanks to The Producer for sending it to me.

St. Edward’s University partners with H-E-B to plant first Central Texas Tiny Forest

By Dacia Garcia | 5:23 PM Jan 21, 2026 CST
Updated 5:25 PM Jan 21, 2026 CST

St. Edward’s University in Austin, Texas and H-E-B grocery chain have collaborated to create the first Tiny Forest in Austin and Central Texas to help improve canopy cover in communities throughout Austin.

St. Edward’s University and H-E-B have partnered to grow Austin and Central Texas’s first Tiny Forest using the Miyawaki Method. (Courtesy St. Edward’s University)

How it works

On Jan. 17, H-E-B team members, community volunteers, university students, faculty, and staff joined together to plant 54 square meters with 164 trees and shrubs.

The project uses the Miyawaki Method, an approach that enables trees to grow 10 times faster and seclude 10 times more carbon than traditional tree planting methods.

Arborist and sustainability coordinator Roy Johnson explained how the method differs from conventional tree planting.

One of the most noticeable differences in a Miyawaki forest is that the seedlings are planted at very high densities. This replicates the regeneration process that occurs in a natural forest when a clearing in the canopy opens up due to a larger tree falling. The saplings grow very fast to compete for the light, and then natural selection will favour the fastest-growing individuals and act to thin out the trees. The result is a densely packed pioneer forest that grows in 20 to 30 years instead of taking 150 to 200 years. This has obvious benefits for projects that are working to maximize a forest’s carbon sequestration potential or recreate habitat for biodiversity and wildlife.

“We can use this method to provide all of the benefits of conventional tree plantings, such as air and ground water filtration, erosion control, and cooling the air through evapotranspiration,” Johnson said. “However, using this specific and detailed method, trees can be expected to grow much faster than conventional plantings.”

Through this method, the trees planted at the event are expected to reach full maturity within the community’s lifetime, as stated in a news release.

Natural resources intern Veronica Chavez said the project will reduce the negative effects of urbanization on the local community.

“Even on just a local level, a tiny forest can improve air quality, help with stormwater management, and provide a cooling effect for the surrounding areas,” Chavez said. “It also becomes a habitat for local wildlife and pollinators, encouraging increased biodiversity in the area.”

On Jan. 17, community members, students, faculty and H-E-B partners joined together to plant 164 trees and shrubs for the Tiny Forest. (Courtesy St. Edward's University) — On Jan. 17, community members, students, faculty and H-E-B partners joined together to plant 164 trees and shrubs for the Tiny Forest. (Courtesy St. Edward’s University)

The background

According to the news release, the Miyawaki Method crafted by botanist Akira Miyawaki was inspired by his time witnessing large-scale deforestation from World War II and overdevelopment in Japan.

The project is a proof-of-concept model that can be shared with overdeveloped communities in need of the benefits of trees, such as areas within the eastern crescent of Austin, which typically receive low tree equity scores.

The event marks the second year of the university’s collaboration with H-E-B through its Trees for Texans program, which aims to support healthier environments for schools, parks, and communities throughout Texas.

Get involved

Community members can directly help the Tiny Forest project by participating in a fringe mantel planting in the fall or reaching out to sustainability@stedwards.edu for information about how to plant a tiny forest in their community. Interested individuals can also stay updated with the forest by checking out its Instagram @Seu_food_forest.

Quote of note

“These tiny forests won’t check every box needed for climate change mitigation and environmental justice, but they have the ability to be a massive boost to both,” Johnson said. “It seemed like we should jump on the opportunity to start introducing this concept to Austin sooner rather than later. We are very excited about the potential and very pleased that the ball has started rolling.”

The good news in this story is that humans have found out how to quickly reforest the land for the betterment of all living things. Today’s JohnKu talks about discovery from chaos. I hope you have a super weekend.

War ravaged the land,

Then a discovery was made . . .

Which benefits all.

Thursday – Anything Possible – Twiggy and Tempeste at Home

January 22, 2026January 20, 2026 ~ John W. Howell ~ 104 Comments

”

“You know I haven’t jumped off the couch in months.”

“This is not the time to start again.”

“It does look pretty far down there.”

“A dislocated hip just waiting to happen.”

“Oh, come on. There is a bed on the floor.”

“With one inch of padding.”

“Why are you always a killjoy?”

“Five years older than you is why.”

“I guess experience does count for something.”

“Yeah, try a $5000 visit to the emergency vet.”

“Oooh. I don’t like that place at all.”

“So, get off the back of the couch.”

“I think you are right.”

“So why don’t you get off?”

“Did you ever hear of an irresistible impulse?”

“Oh, brother. Now I’ve heard everything.”

“What do you say we go out and chase a ball?”

“At last, you have come to your senses.”

“If only I could break away from this couch back.”

“Please stop.”

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

January 20, 2026January 18, 2026 ~ John W. Howell ~ 51 Comments

Today I randomly opened Detour on the Eternal Road to page 187. With eyes closed, I pointed to the page. The word closest to my finger is answer. That is our prompt today.

“Who has the correct answer? Yes, Jimmy.”

“To see what she could see?”

“No, I’m sorry, that’s not it. Anyone else? Yes, Cindy.”

“To find her brother?”

“Not quite, Cindy, but a good guess. Who’s next? Yes, Tom.”

“She needed to head home.”

“Well, eventually, but not quite yet. Yes, Mary Lou.”

“Her mother calls her.”

“That could happen, but not in this case. Frank, do you think you know?”

“To get an ice cream.”

“That would be fun, wouldn’t it. But for this exercise, we’ll have to wait for another time. I see your hand, Roland. What do you think?”

“She lives over there.”