Tuesday – Anything Possible – Finger Point Prompt –

July 7, 2026July 7, 2026 ~ John W. Howell ~ 55 Comments

Today I randomly opened Detour on the Eternal Road to page 175. With eyes closed, I pointed to the page. The word closest to my finger is salutes. This is our prompt today.

“How many salutes did you say?”

“21 gun salutes.”

“Whoa, that’s a lot of salutes.”

“I know, so I would keep my head down if I were you.”

“You’re not kidding. You don’t have to worry about me.”

“I do worry since you seem to get into more trouble than most.”

“What are these salutes for, anyway?”

“Someone is celebrating a birthday.”

“Are they having a big party?”

“I suppose.”

“We weren’t invited?”

“Afraid not.”

“That’s pretty cold.”

“Well, we don’t know the person.”

“Yeah, but they are doing salutes in our neighborhood. Shouldn’t we be invided to attend?”

“I’m not sure they would want us there.”

“Why not?”

“Humans don’t like us very well.”

“What? Given how cute we are?”

“Maybe it’s the rattles or the poison. Who can say?”

“Well I think it’s rude.”

Top Ten Things Not to Do When William Tell Shot the Apple Off His Son’s Head in 1307

July 6, 2026July 5, 2026 ~ John W. Howell ~ 43 Comments

This post continues the historical backdrop for the Top Ten Things Not to Do. If you were there at the time, there are ten things that you should take care not to do. This post ran on November 19, 2018

Top Ten Things Not to Do When William Tell Shot the Apple Off His Son’s Head in 1307

10 At William Tell’s archery challenge, do not sneeze at the critical point when he takes aim. If you do, at best, William will bless you with a Gesundheit. At worst, your sneeze will throw him off, and you will be the next in line for the apple shot. (Lucky for you, he missed his son’s head, Flavien. Now it is your turn, and William looks very angry.)

9 At William Tell’s archery challenge, do not ask Tiny the WWF champ to stand in for you. If you do, at best, Tiny will eat your apple. At worst, Tiny, who just left the Apple Shot Near-Miss veterans support group, will be traumatized by the offer. (Tiny works out his trauma by doing body slams, Florian. I think you’d better start looking for a soft place to land.

8 At William Tell’s archery challenge, do not start humming the William Tell Overture. If you do, at best, someone will like the tune. At worst, you may be accused of being a warlock since Rossini did not write it until 1829. (A couple of dips in the dunking chair will help clear that music out of your head, Florian. Can’t imagine why you would give in to an earworm anyway.)

7 At William Tell’s archery challenge, do not fail to bow in respect to the hat that the newly appointed Austrian Vogt, Albrecht Gessler, has placed on a pole. If you do, at best, no one will see you not bow. At worst, you will be arrested for not doing the same thing William Tell did not do. ( I hope you know how to shoot a crossbow, Fonzo. It looks like you have to hit a crabapple off of Tiny’s head. If you miss, Tiny will be very upset. Especially if you hit him.)

6 At William Tell’s archery challenge, do not wear your Austrians Suck t-shirt. If you do, at best, the Austrians will think you are joking. At worst, the Austrians will think you are a leader of the Swiss independence movement. (Now you’ve done it, Forseti. The next time you see daylight, it will be at your hanging. Enjoy the brief view.)

5 At William Tell’s archery challenge, do not open a stand and begin selling Swiss chocolate. If you do, at best, the Austrians will like the chocolate. At worst, your chocolate will be declared contraband, and you will be declared a revolutionary. ( I told you to stick with Speckknödel, Francesco. Now look at the fine kettle of fish you’ve gotten yourself into.)

4 At William Tell’s archery challenge, do not ask William for his autograph. If you do, at best, he will blow you off. At worst, he might give you to the count of five to see if you can outrun a crossbow bolt. (Don’t forget, Frandscus, William just shot the apple off his son’s head. I don’t think he thinks of himself as a hero.)

3 At William Tell’s archery challenge, do not offer William a contract to take his apple shooting show on the road. If you do, at best, William will be in a good mood and ignore you. At worst, William will sign the agreement with the understanding that you will have the apple on your head. (Well, a contract is a contract, Frannsaidh. Looks like you are signed up for a thirty-city tour… or one depending.)

2 At William Tell’s archery challenge, do not start selling T-Shirts that say I’m the Apple of my Daddy’s Eye. If you do, at best, William won’t see them. At worst, William’s sense of humor will have hit an all-time low, and your T-shirts pushed him over the edge. (Looks like those shirts are going to make a nice bonfire, Franziskus.)

1 At William Tell’s archery challenge, do not start taking odds on whether William will hit the apple or his son. If you do, at best, no one will tell him. At worst, William will find out about your activities and come looking for you. (I would stay under that table, Frazier. I don’t think you want to explain yourself right now.)

Views of the neighborhood – Summer blooms

July 5, 2026July 5, 2026 ~ John W. Howell ~ 89 Comments

Today, we are cruising the neighborhood to view the crepe myrtles and a few other flowers. We are catered by Ember Kitchen of Austin, and our entertainment is Glenn Frey.

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

Come on. We have commandeered the Windsor Fife and Drum Corps bus.

The Producer’s photo of a gardenia while walking with Twiggy.

Red and purple crepe myrtles.

A while crepe myrtle.

A pink crepe myrtle (R), esperasza (L), baby sage (lower R), and magnolia (background)

Another pink.

A beautiful white.

The sage beside our driveway.

The Producer’s hibiscus (R) and cone flower (L) with vinca in the middle.

Okay, how did she get in here? Shussssh. Let sleeping dogs lie.”

A giant purple crepe myrtle.

A large lilac-colored crepe myrtle.

A beautiful pink crepe myrtle.

Time now to enjoy the music and food. I hope you have a lovely week.

Stream of Consciousness Saturday – Prompt – “Spark” – Happy Birthday America

July 4, 2026July 3, 2026 ~ John W. Howell ~ 53 Comments

From Linda Hill: Your Friday prompt for Stream of Consciousness Saturday is “spark.” Use it any way you’d like. Have fun!

Since it is the Fourth of July and time to celebrate the birth of the USA, I’m going to suspend my usual silliness to wish you a Happy 4th and hope that a spark of gratitude and pride touches each American today.

Friday John Ku – AKA – TGIF – Fri-Yay/Good News

July 3, 2026July 2, 2026 ~ John W. Howell ~ 43 Comments

3-year-old Moran (left) and Mr. Cantillo (right) rescued from disaster – credit, office of the Acting President of Venezuela, via SWNS

Today’s Good News story comes from the Good NewsJul 2ork

3-Year-old Rescued After 6 Days Beneath Rubble in Venezuela as Rescuers Arrive in Droves to Help the Country

By Andy Corbley – Jul 2, 2026

A week after two magnitude 7 earthquakes struck Venezuela’s capital of Caracas, search and rescue teams from around the world are still rescuing people from the jaws of death.

This includes Aaron Levi Cantillo, who was trapped under rubble for more than 4 days, and a 3-year-old named Klieber Moran, who was rescued by Jordanians visiting to aid in the rescue effort.

It took 43 hours to rescue Cantillo, who had already been trapped for more than 2 days under a collapsed building.

Footage released by the office of the Acting President of Venezuela also showed 3-year-old Moran face down and covered in dust when he was located by snake cameras operated by rescue teams above.

The boy was underneath the Caracas building for 6 days.

The video, filmed on June 30th, 6 days after the earthquakes occurred, shows members of the Jordan International Search and Rescue Team carrying the child to safety after pulling him from the debris.

The U.S. has provided over 2000 personnel and $300 million in humanitarian assistance since the disaster. Shortly after the 7.2- and 7.5-magnitude earthquakes, the U.S. military helped fly in about 310 specialists from urban search and rescue teams who are now on the ground.

Among international calls of solidarity, South American leaders from both sides of the political spectrum—who often have nothing good to say about one another—stepped up to help as well.

Brazil’s President Lula Da Silva dispatched a team of 71 firefighters, 4 National Civil Defense technicians, 6 specialists from the National Telecommunications Agency, and 6 firefighter dogs, as well as at least 12 tons of search and rescue equipment, 100 water purifiers, 6.5 tons of medical equipment, and a Brazilian Navy portable hospital, operated by 93 Marines and medical specialists.

Chilean President José Antonio Kast sent a Chilean Air Force plane carrying 37 members of the Fire Department’s Urban Search and Rescue Group. The following day, a second plane was sent with 16 rescuers, three tons of humanitarian aid, and two tons of firefighters’ equipment.

The National Unit for Disaster Risk Management of neighboring Colombia deployed more than 60 rescuers, 4 rescue dog teams, and 12 metric tonsJun 26ipment.

Ecuador’s President Daniel Noboa said he had ordered the immediate delivery of humanitarian aid, the deployment of 46 urban search-and-rescue personnel, search dogs, and 6 metric tons of equipment.

More than 150 Salvadoran rescue workers and supplies arrived in Venezuela on 26 June as part of El Salvador’s President Nayib Bukele’s pledge to send 300 rescue workers and paramedics and 50 tons of medical supplies.

Mexican authorities provided 250 military rescue crew, rescue dogs, medical supplies, and rescue equipment on board 4 aircraft.

The National Emergency Commission of Costa Rica announced a deployment of 48 specialized rescuers along with approximately 12 tons of rescue equipment and humanitarian supplies.

Other nations, such as Italy, Czechia, France, Germany, Spain, Switzerland, India, Vietnam, Thailand, the UK, Qatar, Jordan, and even Syria, also deployed emergency rescue personnel.

The good news in this story is that countries around the world are pitching in to help. Today’s JohnKu talks about the world as one. I hope yo have a great weekedn and a happy 4th of July

A disaster calls,

The world responds with action . . .

We are all family.

Thursday – A Little Personal – Twiggy and Tempeste Deal with the Deer.

July 2, 2026July 1, 2026 ~ John W. Howell ~ 107 Comments

“Tempest, come here.”

“What’s the problem?”

“That deer came right up to the window.”

“Well, it is telling mom to get the carrots.”

“I’d say that’s a little pushy, wouldn’t you?”

“You know how it is when handouts are free. They are expected.”

“I suppose. It just took me by surprise.”

“I can understand that.”

“You know I almost feel that a good bark to St. Louis might be a good lesson.”

“I think Mom might have something to say about that.”

“Yeah, she does love to see the deer come around.”

“We could pretend that the FedEx guy just arrived.”

“That’s a pretty good thought.”

“Come on, let’s go to the door. We can bark them through it.”

“Are you going to come over here and help?”

“I think we need to change strategy. Mom’s out there with the deer.”

“I think barking Mom to St Louis would be a big mistake.”

“You can say that again.”

“So, we’ll just have to wait for another opportunity.”

“I could almost taste the victory.”

Tuesday – Anything Possible – Finger Point Prompt – System

June 30, 2026June 29, 2026 ~ John W. Howell ~ 46 Comments

Today I randomly opened The Last Drive to page 145 and, with my eyes closed, pointed to the page. The word nearest my finger is “system.” That is our prompt today.

“How do I get out of this?”

“I don’t think you can.”

“Why not?”

“You have to go through the system. No one just gets out.”

“But I don’t understand the system.”

“Ignorance is no excuse. If you do the crime, you need to do the time.”

“But that’s just it. I didn’t do anything.”

“If I’ve heard that once, I’ve heard it a thousand times.”

“So you’re not going to let me go?”

“Nope. Only the judge can do that.”

“I want my lawyer.”

“Of course you do. Until your lawyer gets here, you’ll stay put.”

“Can you and I make a deal?”

“Oh, so now you want to bribe your way out?”

“Call it a gift.”

“You have nothing I want. I would just sit down and behave myself before more charges are added.”

“What charges are on me now?”

“Let’s see. Destruction of property, assault with intent to harm, public indecency, trespassing, running loose without a license, and avoiding arrest.”

“It’s not my fault.”

“And why is that?”

“My owner left the gate open.”

“So that gave you permission to tear up the newspaper, bite the animal control officer, poop in the neighbor’s yard, run uncontrolled through the neighborhood, and dodge the animal control officer.”

“Well, yes. I was confused. Out of my element.”

“Tell it to the judge.”

Top Ten Things Not to Do in the Great Flood of 2348 BC.

June 29, 2026June 28, 2026 ~ John W. Howell ~ 55 Comments

This post continues the Top Ten Not to Do list with a historical background. This post ran originally in November of 2018. Pretend you were there, and here is a list that will keep you out of trouble.

Top Ten Things Not to Do in the Great Flood of 2348 BC.

10 In the time of the great flood, do not mock Noah’s boat building so far from water. If you do, at best, he won’t hear you. At worst, after forty days and nights of rain, you are going to wish you had never. (Good luck on treading water for a few months, Gregory. Those boat jokes seem a little lame now, don’t they?)

9 In the time of the great flood, do not offer Tiny the WWF champ some help with that rhinoceros. If you do, at best, he’ll pass on the assist. At worst, Tiny, who has just finished his group session on self-esteem, will believe you think he is incapable of loading that snorting beast into the Ark. (Now you have to worry about a loose rhinoceros and soothing Tiny’s feelings, Giovanni. I think the rhino might be an easier task.)

7 In the time of the great flood, do not ask Noah about who is playing in the show lounge. If you do, at best, Noah will think you are joking. At worst, Noah will realize you think the whole boat thingy is a Carnival cruise. (I suppose you should feel grateful Noah allows you to ride in the dinghy, Graham. He could have just tossed you overboard.)

6 In the time of the great flood, do not start singing the Unicorn Song. If you do, at best, Noah will think it cute. At worst, since Noah was not able to get the unicorns on board, he’ll feel bad. (Don’t forget Noah is 600 years old, Gilbert. He probably never heard of the Irish Rovers, and now you are in the brig on bread and water.)

5 In the time of the great flood, do not smack a pesky mosquito. If you do, at best, it will recover. At worst, you just killed one of the two on board. (Although it seems like you have done a service to humanity, Gustavo, Noah is going to be plenty pissed since he was supposed to have two of everything. I would lie low if I were you.)

4 In the time of the great flood, do not try to bring more than one carry-on bag on the Ark. If you do, at best, the second bag will be floating. At worst, you’ll be caught, and Captain Noah will allow the bags to ride but toss you off. (I don’t think the punishment is too harsh, Gustavo. What if every being brought two suitcases?)

3 In the time of the great flood, do not try to water ski off the back of the Ark. If you do, at best, you won’t lose your grip on the rope. At worst, the Ark is not going fast enough, and you’ll sink like a stone. (It doesn’t do much good to signal for help, Gerard. That giraffe has no idea what you mean.)

2 In the time of the great flood, do not ask Noah for a turn at the tiller. If you do, at best, he will turn you down flat. At worst, he will give you a spin. ( The fact that you don’t know North from South is not going to play well here, Gabe. Lucky, the mountain tops are fourteen cubits under the water. What’s a cubit, you ask? Go look it up.)

1 In the time of the great flood, when Noah asks you to release a dove, do not release that duck. If you do, at best, the duck will come back. At worst, the duck will be able to float, so there is no need to return to the Ark. (Noah is now asking you how to determine if the waters have receded.) “Wait until you see land,” is not the answer he is looking for, Gideon. Those water wings should help keep you up until you sight land. By the way, the shark following you has not eaten for a couple of weeks.)

Views of the Neighborhood – 4th of July Decorations

June 28, 2026June 27, 2026 ~ John W. Howell ~ 69 Comments

SHRIMP SCAMPI – linguini noodles, shrimp stock, butter, herbs, cherry tomatoes, parmesan, breadcrumbs

SPAGHETTI AND MEATBALLS – spaghetti noodles, pork, veal, and beef meatballs, marinara, parmesan, herbs

BOLOGNESE- tagliatelle noodles, brisket, bacon, tomatoes, parmesan, herbs

CHICKEN PARMESAN – spaghetti noodles, marinara, mozzarella, herbs

PAN SEARED RED FISH – roasted cauliflower, roasted corn, heirloom grape tomatoes, castelvetrano olives, chimichurri

ROASTED CHICKEN – romesco sauce, brussels sprouts

Everybody board the bus.

Here is a double-duty decoration.

Little flags around the flower bed.

Full house display.

Flags in the rocks.

Bunting on a fence.

Flags in the beds.

More bunting and a flag.

Some bunting and little flags

Very curious. Small flags with individually solar-powered lights.

A pretty crape myrtle and tidy bow.

Well, that about does it. Time for food and music. I hope you have a great week and happy 4th.

Stream of Consciousness Saturday – Prompt – “Peak/Peek/Pique”

June 27, 2026June 26, 2026 ~ John W. Howell ~ 51 Comments

Imagine my pique when I approach the coffee machine and see these words on the touchscreen. Of course, the action taken was as any red-blooded person would take. The touchscreen was cleared, and the two coffee buttons engaged. The coffee machine growled to life and delivered the elixir that would put to rest the hammer-meets-anvil sound in my head, indicating a dangerously low level of caffeine. The first sip does just that. The second, as we have come to expect, is accompanied by what sounds like the crashing crescendo of a Yamaha grand piano hitting the Grand Canyon floor. It is the Westminster chime of the doorbell and the baying of Igor’s hounds by Twiggy and Tempeste at the peak of their Barking Back to St Louis duet.

The toss of a bone into the soundproof room and a slam of the door brought Oh Happy Day back to life. A peek at the security monitor confirms that someone on the porch is none other than Pepé Le Pew. Hoping to be able to talk him out of a personal interaction, for obvious reasons, I ask if the envelope he is holding can be left. He assures me that a signature is needed. With a sigh, the security shut down is 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 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.

With a clothespin on my nose, the clipboard is signed and returned. A ten-dollar bill is clipped to the board, and the life tip is passed to Pepé. “Don’t play rugby in a cowfield.” The door is shut, and the envelope is opened. Inside is a note from Lnda Hill. It reads: Your Friday prompt for Stream of Consciousness Saturday is “peak/peek/pique.” Use one, use all three (for bonus points), use them any way you’d like. Enjoy!

To see what others have done with the prompt, visit Linda’s post. Here’s the link: https://lindaghill.com/2026/06/26/the-friday-reminder-and-prompt-for-socs-june-27-2026/

“Well, nailed the bonus points.”

“Yup. Seemed to work well.”

“What about that coffee machine.”

“I’m the boss.”

“Okay but don’t you need coffee.”

“I do and I’m sure the machine knows that.”

“So shouldn’t you give it some time off?”

“Are you kidding me? It makes three cups of coffee a week. plus some speciality coffees on the weakend.”

“Sounds like a lot.”

“Oh please? It’s not like it is a Starbucks or something. The thing sleeps all day and night and only works five minutes a day.”

“Okay, okay. Didn’t mean to hit the pigue button.”