Tag: Eternal Road – The final stop

Stream of Consciousness Saturday – Prompt “Just”

~ John W. Howell ~ 68 Comments

A picture of a string with drops of water- the logo for SoCS

The black machine just sits, waiting for a command. The touchpad offers selections to please every coffee lover’s taste. The conundrum is which to select. There’s the Americano, flat white, cappuccino, Latte, espresso, single cup, and double cup. My finger follows its muscle memory and selects the double cup. The icon lights up to let me know the order has been received. The grinding, groaning, and sputtering precede the slow delivery of fluid that makes life worth living again.

One sip and the clock comes to mind. It is set for November 23, 1924, in New York City, and the duration is an hour. The plunger is pulled, and we find ourselves at a newsstand on Lexington Avenue. We grab a newspaper and read.

The article states that Edwin Hubble announced his discovery that Andromeda, previously believed to be a nebula, is another galaxy and that the Milky Way is only one of many such galaxies in the universe. Hubble disclosed his discovery to The New York Times, and they broke the story. Hubble went on to publish a paper on December 30 after peer review and was presented by him at a meeting of the American Astronomical Society on January 1. The idea that our Earth and galaxy were unique has been turned over as a result.

Just as an order was placed with the hot dog vendor, the alarm went off, and we were back on the couch, having a strange craving for sauerkraut. A text has come in, and it is from Linda Hill. It reads: Your Friday prompt for Stream of Consciousness Saturday is “use ‘just’ in your first sentence.” Use the word “just” any way you’d like in your first sentence, then just write to your heart’s content. Enjoy!

To see what others have done with the prompt, visit Linda’s post. Here is the link: https://lindaghill.com/2024/11/22/the-friday-reminder-and-prompt-for-socs-nov-23-2024/

Just by John W. Howell © 2024

“Just what made you pick a double cup?”

“What do you mean?”

“All those choices. You could have had something other than your usual.

“I just wasn’t in the mood for the others.”

“Well, I guess that explains why you only put catchup on your burger.”

“Anything other than cheese muddies the water.”

“Says the guy in a rut.”

“So what would you choose?”

“Right now?”

“Yes.”

“It comes in a brown bottle and goes by the initials of VooDoo Ranger.”

“Of course it does. Uber?”

“Right over there.”

Photo – Dan Antion

“A 1978 Mercedes Turbodiesel Wagon. That puppy is a classic.”

“I thought you would like it.”

“That model was the first Mercedes wagon to be powered by a diesel engine. It was part of the W123 series, which was known for its reliability and durability. The 300TD was a luxury station wagon with a 3.0-liter, five-cylinder diesel engine that produced 123 horsepower and 184 lb-ft of torque”

“And who cares?”

“Well Dan Antion would and me of course.”

“You are putting the rest of us to sleep. Let’s get in.”

“Fine. I should make you buy.”

“Wait. Tell me more about the Mercedes.”

“Too late. Just get in.”

Friday JohnKu – AKA – TGIF – Fri-Yay/Goodnews

~ John W. Howell ~ 78 Comments
United Pilot Scott Wardle buys pizza for passengers – By Tanya Stamos via FB.

Today’s good news comes from the Good News Network. You may have seen this story, but I think Captain Wardle’s action is worth another look. Today is also the anniversary of the assassination of John F. Kennedy in Dallas Sixty years ago. I think he would like this story as well.

United Pilot Orders 30 Pizzas to Feed Passengers After Emergency Landing for Medical Care

By

Andy Corbley–

A United Airlines pilot has become a social media sensation after personally overseeing the order and distribution of 30 pizzas to 155 passengers on his flight.

Now monikered the “Pizza Pilot,” Scott Wardle says that after 30 years of piloting for the Air Force and as a civilian, he knows what it feels like to be stuck at the airport and that he just “had to do something to show we care.”

United Pilot Scott Wardle serving dinner he bought for passengers – Tanya Stamos via FB.

Well, that care took off, with posts and photos of Wardle handing out pizzas using the check-in counter at the gate as a kitchen counter going viral.

The story began when the Boise-based Wardle was all set for a flight to Phoenix via Houston. About 45 minutes into the trip, the flight crew called to inform him that a patient had fallen unconscious.

Though two nurses and a medic were on board, Wardle felt he couldn’t take any chances, so he came in for an emergency landing at Albuquerque.

Hoping to get the passengers back underway as soon as possible, he suddenly received word that his cabin crew had maxed out their hours, meaning he had to wait for a new set of attendants.

“I made sure to confirm they were on the way with the company, and then I thought, I got to do something with all these people,” Wardle told KTVB 7. “So, I started exploring some options at that point for what I want to do. I came up with the idea of doing pizza for everyone. It’s an easy thing. Most people like pizza.”

Wardle says he loves his job, and the only burden he felt during the whole ordeal was compassion and sympathy for the passengers. He picked up the phone and started ordering dozens of pizzas.

As he began passing them around with plates and napkins, the passengers took notice.

The viral photos and videos reached virtually every corner of Wardle’s social life, with old Air Force buddies and even his graduation class of 1984 and phoning him to say they saw him serving pizza in his pilot uniform.

Pilot Scott Wardle ‘recharges with pizza for free’ – Tanya Stamos via FB

“I didn’t think it was that big of a deal. I just did my thing,” Wardle said. “Many pilots in our company do this sort of thing; I just happened to get my picture taken.”

United Airlines insisted on reimbursing him for the pizzas. They applauded a hero of the friendly skies who waited until every passenger had a slice before sitting down for a pie.

The good news in this story is one person cared about the care and comfort of others. Today’s JohnKu talks about caring. I hope you have a peaceful weekend.

Others by John W. Howell © 2024

When someone has care,

For others more than themself. . .

Angel makin’s there.

Thursday – Anything Possible – Twiggy and Tempeste in the Yard

~ John W. Howell ~ 133 Comments

“Looks beautiful out there.”

“Let me see.”

“See. Nice and cool and sun.”

“You are right. Let’s call the doorman and go out there.”

“Hey. The tent is back up.”

“So it is. I think that is a good thing.”

“Look at this sun. Feels good.”

“Wait, I forgot my sunscreen.”

“You don’t need it. The sun isn’t that hot.”

“There are UV rays all the same, and a girl doesn’t need sun-damaged skin.”

“I think you are overreacting, but suit yourself.”

“I’ll be right back.”

“You all better now?”

“Yes, I feel protected.”

“I’m glad. You want to play ball?”

“Sure sounds fun. This tent is supposed to keep the leaves off the turf.”

“What did you say, and where are you going?”

“I must tell Dad the tent isn’t keeping all the leaves off the turf.”

“It keeps most of them away. Why are you standing there?”

“Dad isn’t hearing me. I can’t imagine how things are supposed to work if people ignore me.”

“Of course, they have been here longer than us, so maybe they have things figured out.”

“You know why this tent and fencing had to be put up, right?”

“I heard rumors that it was to keep me from eating leaves.”

“That’s right. And these leaves were your favorites.”

“Well, I certainly have matured. Oh, look at that big juicy leaf.”

“It’s not juicy. It’s all dried up, and you should leave it alone.”

“When they are dry, they are nice and crunchy.”

“And will give you an upset tummy. Leave it alone. Where is Dad anyway?”

Tuesday – Anything Possible – Finger Point Prompt – Small

~ John W. Howell ~ 60 Comments

I randomly opened Eternal Road – The final stop to page 131. Without looking, I pointed to the page, and the word “small” was closest to my finger.

Small by John W. Howell © 2024

“Can you see it?”

“Damn, that is pretty small.”

“Here, take this magnifier.”

“It still is too small to see clearly.”

“For heaven’s sake. What’s the problem.”

“My hand is shaking too much to determine what I’m looking at.”

“Maybe if we get closer, it will come into view.”

“It’s not like I can’t wait.”

“It won’t be too long.”

“How long?”

“A couple of light years.”

“That’s all? Why am I straining my eyes then?”

“I thought you would want a first glance.”

“Naw, I can wait. After all, it has been eons since we have been on the road. What’s a couple of light years?”

“That’s very mature of you.”

“I forgot the name of the place.”

“It’s a rather stupid name.”

“What is it?”

“Earth.”

“Boy, you are right. Being so close to the Milky Way Galaxy, you would have thought they could come up with a better name.”

“Yeah, all the others have pretty catchy names. Since we have discovered this one, we should rename it.”

“Great idea. Got any names in mind?”

“Humm. The only one that comes to mind immediately is yogurt.”

“I like it. Let it be so.”

 

Top Ten things not to do when trying to decide what to watch on TV

~ John W. Howell ~ 84 Comments

 

Photo by Adrian Swancar on Unsplash

 

This post ran on October 6th, 2014. Since we all need to decide what to watch on TV, it still might be helpful.

* * *

Top Ten things not to do when trying to decide what to watch on TV

This list was inspired by a recent visit to a friend’s house and observing how the friend decided which shows to watch.

10 If you are trying to decide which TV show to watch, do not take a suggestion from anyone ages fourteen to eighteen. If you do, at best, you will be lost in the translation. At worst, you will see and hear things that will keep you up at night.

9 If you are trying to decide which TV show to watch, do not use the newspaper reviews as a guide to good programming. If you do, at best, you will be asleep earlier than usual. At worst, you might wonder if you should discontinue your cable service.

8 If you are trying to decide which TV show to watch, don’t ask someone else what they want. If you do, at best, you will get an icy stare when you ignore the suggestion. At worst, you may end up watching this and other shows in the privacy of the garage.

7 If you are trying to decide which TV show to watch, do not scroll through the guide, hoping something good will jump at you. If you do, at best, you will have to review one hundred and sixty channels that are basically the same. At worst, those in the room may call an audible, and you will lose your remote privileges for heaven knows how long.

6 If you are trying to decide which TV show to watch, do not call a friend for a suggestion. If you do, at best, the friend will want a report on the show. At worst, you will hate the show, and you can lie to your friend or turn a friend into an enemy.

5 If you are trying to decide which TV show to watch and your in-laws are there, simply hand over the remote. If you don’t, at best, they’ll miss their favorite show and hate you forever. At worst, they might like your selection and decide to return on the nights that it is on since they can’t remember which channel to tune.

4 If you are trying to decide which TV show to watch and your significant other wants to do something else, turn the set off. If you don’t, at best, you will be watching the show alone. At worst, you might be watching the show, which will be your only company for the long, cold winter.

3 If you are trying to decide which TV show to watch, do not rely on the network hype about the “best new show of the season.” If you do, you do, at best, you might waste a half hour. At worst, you might waste a whole night, depending on how many network hypes you follow.

2 If you are trying to decide which show to watch on TV, do not think the DVR will help. If you do, at best, you may end up with a bunch of shows and no disk space. At worst, you may have recorded all the clinkers of the season and, while reviewing them, miss the best.

1 If you are trying to decide which show to watch on TV, do not use any kind of gambling prop to help with the decision. If you do, at best, the odds of getting something you want to watch are the same as the odds against you. At worst, your prop will be no more favorable to you in selecting an excellent show to watch than it has been in delivering sure-thing winners.

Views of the Neighborhood – Municipal Court Week

~ John W. Howell ~ 82 Comments

Yes, the headline says it all. We are headed to the Lakeway Municipal Court, where they are holding an open house. No, you don’t need a speeding ticket to attend. We are catered by Launderette of Austin, and our entertainment is The Bobby Fuller Four.

Menu

ASPARAGUS BENNY – sourdough English muffin, poached eggs, pancetta, truffle hollandaise

SALMON GRAVLAX – neufchâtel butter, trout roe, soft cooked egg, tomato, pickled cucumber, frisée, ash rye bread

PORK SHOULDER HASH – potato, brussels sprouts, sunny eggs, salsa verde

THE AMERICANA – sunny eggs, oyster mushroom, roasted tomato, bacon, toast

CHICKEN PAILLARD – coriander rub, escarole, frisée, tender kale, seared apple, candied walnuts, rosemary pomegranate vinaigrette

FRIED CHICKEN SAMMIE – coriander poblano slaw, pickles, challah

PLANCHA BURGER -American cheese, special sauce, pickles, challah

 

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

~ John W. Howell ~ 83 Comments

Today’s good news comes from the Associated Press

‘I got my life back.’ Veterans with PTSD making progress thanks to service dog program

JIM SALTER AP News

KANSAS CITY, Kan. (AP) — After working at a crowded and dangerous internment camp in Iraq, Air Force Staff Sgt. Heather O’Brien was brought home with her anxiety and post-traumatic stress disorder.

Airforce s/sgt Heather O’Brian and Albus – Photo by Nick Ingram

A bouncy labradoodle and a Kansas City-area program helped her get back on her feet.

Dogs 4 Valor, operated through the Olathe, Kansas-based organization The Battle Within, helps retired veterans and first responders work with their service dogs to manage depression, anxiety, and other challenges.

“A lot of times, the veteran with severe PTSD is homebound,” said Sandra Sindeldecker, program manager for Dogs 4 Valor. “They’re isolated. They’re very nervous. They won’t make eye contact. Some won’t leave the house at all.

The veterans and dogs graduate in six to nine months, but group gatherings continue.

There is growing evidence of the value of service dogs for veterans with PTSD. A small study published in JAMA Network Open in June looked at a program operated by K9s For Warriors. Service dogs in the program are taught to pick up a veteran’s physical signs of distress and can interrupt panic attacks and nightmares with a loving nudge.

Researchers compared 81 veterans who received service dogs with 75 veterans on the waiting list for a trained dog. After three months, PTSD symptoms improved in both groups, but the veterans with dogs saw a bigger improvement on average.

O’Brien, 40, recalled that the camp where she worked in Iraq sometimes had over 20,000 detainees. Violence and rioting were common, and it left her with severe anxiety.

“When I got out of the military, I just assumed that you’re supposed to be on edge all the time as a veteran,” O’Brien said.

O’Brien’s mother spotted the frisky lab-poodle mix on Facebook and convinced her daughter to adopt the dog she named Albus. Months later, O’Brien learned about Dogs 4 Valor, and the pair joined the program in October 2023.

O’Brien says she can now go out in public again — she even went on vacation to Branson, Missouri, “things that I never would have thought I would do really, probably ever again.”

Mark Atkinson, 38, served in Afghanistan as a corporal in the Marine Corps. He returned home with PTSD and major depressive disorder, causing sleeplessness and anxiety. He adopted Lexi, now 5, in 2020.

Lexi, a muscular cane corso breed, needed Atkinson as much as he needed her. Her previous owner had kept Lexi in chains before surrendering her. Since joining Dogs 4 Valor, the two can get out together and enjoy life.

“I don’t really like leaving the house because I’m safe there, you know?” Atkinson said. “And having Lexi has just made me get out to be more social.”

Having a group of fellow veterans facing the same challenges has also helped, Atkinson said.

“We come from the same backgrounds, different branches,” Atkinson said. “Same issues. You know, PTSD or traumatic brain injuries. And they’re all very welcoming, as well. There’s no judgment.”

O’Brien compared living with Albus to a relationship with a sometimes pushy best friend who often wants to go out.

“The best friend constantly wants to make you do things that make you nervous,” O’Brien laughed, acknowledging that it is ultimately up to her.

“I have to decide to walk out and just deal with life,” O’Brien said. “And so that has been hard. And it still is hard from time to time, but it’s it’s getting manageable.”

Some veterans said their family relationships have improved since they started the program.

“I’m able to talk, not fly off the handle and just get along with people and not be as stressed, not have as much anxiety,” Atkinson said. “Or even if I do, she (Lexi) is right there with me.”

Timothy Siebenmorgen, 61, said his relationships also are better with help from his 1-year-old American bulldog, Rosie, and Dogs 4 Valor, which he joined in July. He served in both the Marines and the Army, deploying 18 times.

Tim Siebenmorgan (left) and Rosie. Mark Atkinson and Lexi – Photo by Mark Ingram

“You’re in the military, kind of taught not to show weakness,” Siebenmorgen said. “So you figure you can tackle everything yourself, and you honestly believe that. And then you realize you can’t do it on your own.”

Veterans said the dogs and the program have given them new hope and a renewed ability to move forward.

“I got my life back,” O’Brien said.

The good news in this article is that these heroes are getting the help they need. Today’s JohnKu talks about the need for help. I hope you have a super weekend.

Reach out by John W. Howell © 2024

When all seems too dark,

Do not try to go alone . . .

Reach out to find help.

 

Thursday – A Little Personal – Twiggy and Tempest on the Hunt

~ John W. Howell ~ 113 Comments

“Well, it is hunting day, Ms Panther.”

“Yeah, so you told me yesterday.”

“I’ll finish my Yogi with a down dog, and we’ll be ready to go.”

“There is something in the pantry.”

“Pay attention ’cause I’m going to demonstrate on Pink Bunny.”

“You aren’t going to hurt Pink Bunny, are you?”

“Of course not. Now, come closer and watch the technique.”

“Technique? Technique of what?”

“The kill, of course.”

“Wait a minute, you said you wouldn’t hurt Pink Bunny.”

“My technique is so good she’ll not feel a thing.”

“Hold on. Pink Bunny is a good friend of mine.”

“That’s why the kill will be painless and quick.”

“No way. There will be no killing of Pink Bunny today.”

“Come on. The puma is a natural-born killer.”

“The panther says to go pick on someone your own size.”

“Fine. Pink Bunny lives to see another day.”

“Maybe we could have a lesson on a different toy.”

“How about Honey Bee?”

“Another pal. Think of someone else.”

“Fish?”

“Let me think it over.”

“Some killer panther you are.”

Tuesday – Anything Possible – Finger Point Prompt – Courtroom

~ John W. Howell ~ 85 Comments

I opened Circumstances of Childhood randomly to page 189 and pointed at the page without looking. The word closest to my finger was “courtroom.”

Courtroom by John W. Howell © 2024

“You may call your witness counselor.”

“Thank you, Your Honor. The state calls Ms. Charlene Roste.”

“Ms. Roste, do you swear to tell the truth, the whole truth, and nothing but the truth, so help you God?”

“I do.”

“Very well, Ms. Roste. Would you state your name for the record?”

“Certainly. My name is Charlene Maywood Roste. My friends call me Chuck.”

“Thank you. Now tell the jury exactly what you saw on the night of June sixteenth.”

“Well, there I was, minding my own business when a guy approached me.”

“Is that guy in the courtroom?”

“Yes, right over there.”

“Let the record show the witness has identified the defendant, Farmer Brown. What happened next?”

“He had a pail and three-legged stool, which he immediately used to assault me.”

“By assault, you mean he hit you?”

“No. He grabbed my parts and started taking my milk.”

“Before we go further, the defense insists that you were under contract, which allowed Farmer Brown to take your milk. Do you agree with that?”

“I never saw a contract, nor have I signed one.”

“So here is the paper the defense says you signed. Does this look familiar?”

“I’ve never seen it before.”

“Is that signature yours?”

“Heck no. I always sign with my right hoof. That clearly is a left-hoof forgery.”

“Objection, your honor.”

“Yes, Mr. Travis?”

“The witness is not a certified hoof analyst, so her statement is conjecture.”

“So noted. The jury will disregard Ms. Roste’s last statement.”

“But you say you did not sign the contract.”

“I did not, and that man humiliated me.”

“Thank you, Ms. Roste.”

“Mr Travis, your witness.”

“Thank you, your honor. Ms. Roste, how long have you been on Farmer Brown’s farm?”

“About four years.”

“How many times has he taken your milk?”

“Twice a day.”

“So for four years, that would be over twelve hundred times.”

“I guess. I don’t do well at math.”

“Why did you object this time?”

“To be honest, I was looking for a ‘thank you.'”

“A thank you?”

“Yes. That man has taken my milk over twelve hundred times and never said thank you.”

“I see. What if he says ‘thank you’ now?”

“That’s all I want.”

“Your honor, for a directed acquittal, I will guarantee that my client will say ‘thank you.'”

“What say you, Mr. Prosecutor.”

“Yeah, fine.”

“Ms Roste?”

“I will be good with that.”

“So directed. Yes, Mr. Brown?”

“Thank you, Ms Roste.”

” You are welcome, Mr. Brown. Also, some warm water would be nice in the winter.”