Friday John Ku – AKA – TGIF

July 31, 2020July 30, 2020 ~ John W. Howell ~ 83 Comments

Twiggy and Lucy — “Go ahead and ask.”
“Ask what?”
“If it’s Friday?”
“Is it Friday yet?”
“Nope still Monday.”
“Lucy your nose is growing.”

Friday is here again, and I’m sure Twiggy is delighted. For whatever reason, she is always pleased to see the weekend roll around. I mean, it’s not like The Producer, and I are working full time or are not chained to the house. So I guess it is not our presence but something else.

I was blown away by the number of volunteers for the launch of Eternal Road – The final stop. I’m so grateful to everyone and am looking forward to the start. Thank you all again.

The e-book and paper formatting is done, so now it is a matter of going on to KDP and setting up the books. This is my 6th rodeo, and so far, I’m still in the publishing saddle. Not sure if I’m going to do preorder or not. I do know the initial price for the e-book will be $0.99. That price will last for 30 days, then it is up to $2.99. I believe the lowest cost should be at the intro to reward the folks who buy early. I tend to grit my teeth when I rush out and pay full price for a book only to have the author run a $0.99 sale shortly after launch. Yes, there may be discounts down the road, but I double-dog guarantee none for at least a year. I know this may fly in the face of conventional wisdom, but I think it is the right thing to do.

There is not much more to say about the virus. We now have a full-fledged mess on our hands, and I hope someday it will prove to be temporary. Leadership is nonexistent. In case you think I’m talking about one party or another, I’m not. I’m talking about anyone even remotely connected to the political process. Yes, Democrats and Republicans, I’m talking about you. I am so tired of hearing how the other side has mishandled everything that I think it’s time for you to get a grip and do something to help. None of us give a crap about blame anymore. There is enough to go around. How about taking the initiative and doing something to help? Yeah, I get it. Too much work, and it may look like you have turned sides.

Today’s JohnKu talks about finger-pointing. I hope you all have a safe and happy weekend.

We should remember,

Someone pointing a finger. . .

Has three pointing back.

Thursday – A Little Personal – Lucy and Twiggy on Duty

July 30, 2020July 29, 2020 ~ John W. Howell ~ 89 Comments

Lucy and Twiggy

“You see anything, Little One?”

“Nope, all clear here.”

“I thought I heard something, though.”

“See Anything?”

“No, that was a false alarm.”

“How about on the perimeter over there?”

“Is that movement in the hedge?”

“I think it might be the wind.”

“Okay then, I’m going to scout the yard.”

“Right behind you, Little one.”

“Hey. Where you going?”

“A quick jump onto the porch.”

“Makes for a better view.”

“See anything from way up there?”

“Could have sworn I saw a bear with an AK47.”

“A bear has no thumbs. How’s he going to carry an AK47?”

I’ve seen ’em with fish. Not a big leap to a weapon.”

“I think your imagination has finally taken you over the edge.”

“Well, let’s just say it would be fun to have a bear to battle. Hey, what was that?”

“I do believe it is the call of the kibble for the early morning patrol. Check it out.”

“You are right. Dad is putting down the bowls.”

“Oka,y then. Let’s report all is well and have a nice breakfast.”

“I think all is well.”

“Keep the bear information between us.”

Wednesday Story Day – AKA – Hump Day

July 29, 2020July 28, 2020 ~ John W. Howell ~ 59 Comments

“Come on Lucy. Tell me it’s Friday.”
“It’s Friday.”
“No, it’s not. It’s Wednesday.”
“Why’d you bother me?”
“I thought you could pull a miracle.”

It is Wednesday Story Day again, and last week, we learned that Lazar had a bunch of information that he is willing to share for inclusion in a Federal Witness protection program, and the case be turned over to the Federal authorities. He implicated Taggert, the Reno DA, as a participant in the drug ring. Let’s get back to the interrogation room to see where this goes.

“So, Lazar. You know we need to check with the feds.”

“Yeah, I know that. I’m a patient man. After all, not too many can get inside this detention center to get me.”

“You. Have my assurance, Lazar, you are safe here.”

“So lieutenant.”

“Yes, Jerry?”

“When can we expect to see something in writing?”

“Hard to say. I will call the Federal DA when we leave this room. He will no doubt, want to come over and interview your client before he makes up his mind.”

“That could take some time.”

“I would say a few days.”

“In the meantime, I would have your client begin a narrative that he can share with the DA. The more details, the better.”

“I know how this works, lieutenant.”

“Fine councilor. You can have all the time you need. Normally we would transfer our prisoners to county, but in this case, we will keep ole Lazar right here. Come on, Larry and Andrew. Let’s leave these two alone. When you are ready to leave, Jerry, just push that button on the wall, and someone will escort Lazar back to his cell.”

“I do appreciate what you are doing, lieutenant.”

“I want to close down this drug operation and if it takes doing a deal with. The devil, I’ll do it. Let’s go, guys.”

“Hey, lieutenant.”

“Hold on, Larry. Wait until we are in my office. Okay, what is it?”

“I know you are focused on the drug operation, but can we find out the information we need to know?”

“Like who ordered you killed?”

“Well. That and does Lazar know anything about the Sandusky and Rafferty killing.”

“I’m guessing the DA won’t give a shit about your case.”

“I was afraid of that.”

“I do think we could get him interested in the fact that someone tried to kill you here in his jurisdiction, but as far as anything in Boston, I think you can forget it.”

“Rafferty was killed here in Tahoe.”

“Really? That may make a difference.”

“Of course, the local DA.”

“Taggert?”

“Yeah. The whole thing was ruled an accident.”

“Well, let’s see if we can get Lazar to discuss some of this when he meets with the DA.”

“That sure would help.”

“Have a seat, guys. Let me call the DA and find out when he can get over here.

Tuesday – Anything Possible – Kreative Kue #273 by Keith Channing

July 28, 2020July 27, 2020 ~ John W. Howell ~ 56 Comments

In Keith’s words.

“Using this photo (below) as inspiration, write a short story, flash fiction, scene, poem; anything, really; even just a caption for the photograph. Either put it (or a link to it) in a comment or email it to me at keithchanning@gmail.com before 6pm next Sunday (if you aren’t sure what the time is where I live, this link will tell you). If you post it on your own blog or site, a link to this page would be appreciated, but please do also mention it in a comment here.

Go on. You know you want to. Let your creativity and imagination soar. I shall display the entries next Monday.”

The photo.

Kreative Kue 273

“Please tell me you will be my running mate this fall.”

“Running mate? You know I don’t like exercise.”

“That’s rich Old Shoe. What I mean is for class president.”

“I don’t want to be president.”

“You are making this tough Old Boot. I want you to be on the ticket with me as I run.”

“The ticket? We talking a ride here?”

“No Old Sock. We are talking about me as president and you as vice-president.”

“I don’t know anything about vice.”

“It is not vice that we will be dealing with, Old Block. Vice means assistant.”

“Assistant president? What do I have to do?

“Nothing Old Chap. Just smile and look pretty.”

“Do I get paid?”

“No Old Boy. There is no payment.”

“Well, since it is you, Old Bean, I’ll do it.”

“I don’t know how I became so lucky to have you as a friend.”

“You bought me a gobstopper remember?”

“Ah, yes. The best five cents I ever spent.”

“You told me it was twenty-five cents, Old Cow.”

“What difference does it make? We’re pals to the end.”

“You owe me twenty cents to make that a reality.”

“How about four more gobstoppers?”

“Since I’m a politician now, bribery will get you everywhere. Four it is.”

“Since you are a politician, I’m glad it is just four.”

“You good for five?”

“Whatever you say.”

“Man, I love this power.”

Top Ten Things Not to Do During A Lunar Rover Mission in 1971

July 27, 2020July 26, 2020 ~ John W. Howell ~ 75 Comments

This week marks the 49th anniversary of Appollo 15 Astronauts using a vehicle to drive on the moon. Of course, we all want to go with them, and through the magic of our imagination, we can. We do have to follow a few rules, and so this list has been developed to keep you from causing a tear in the time continuum. Hop aboard the imagination time thingy, and off we go.

Top Ten Things Not to Do During a Lunar Rover Mission in 1971.

10 If you go, do not ask Dave Scott, the mission commander, if you can take Jim Irwin’s place on the ride. If you do, at best, Dave may not hear you through the sunspot static. At worse, Dave will let you drive. (That was smart, Michael. You have no idea how to work this thing, and you are now headed for that vast crater. Of course, this buggy can be replaced for $10,000,000. You can pay for it out of your book royalties. Hahaha)

9 If you go, do not ignore Tiny the WWF champ when he gives you a direction from mission control. If you do, at best, Tiny will provide you with one more chance. At worst, you think you are safe from Tiny up here on the moon. (Feel that heat, Mark. That is the pre-ignition warm-up of the rocket in your pants. You see, Tiny can put you in orbit. It looks like the countdown has begun.)

8 If you go, do not complain about the 8 MPH speed of the lunar rover. If you do, at best, you won’t get another ride. At worst, the commander will take you out to the furthest point and leave you there. (You now need to know what “walk back limit” means, Mica. It is the furthest point you can go and yet walk back to the lunar lander before your oxygen runs out. I hope you can hold your breath cause you were dropped off outside the walk back limit.)

7 If you go, do not mess with the equipment. If you do, at best you won’t mess up anything. At worst, you will tinker with the Sun shadow device. (That was the one thing not to touch, Moses. It is the navigational device that keeps the lunar rover in contact with the lander using the sun. The purpose is so the rover doesn’t get lost. Good thing there is still a gyro device, or you might get a tour of the dark side of the moon.)

6 If you go, do not plug your phone into the battery system to play tunes. If you do, at best, someone will tell you to knock it off. At worst, playing your music will wear down the batteries. (The only power cells carried on the mission are 36 volt, silver-zinc potassium hydroxide non-rechargeable batteries. They are suitable for a 57-mile range. Sure hope you are not out that far, Marcus.)

5 If you go, do not ask if we are there yet. If you do, at best, Dave Scott will ignore you. At worst, he will finally give up and tell you to walk back to the lander. (Since the maximum distance traveled on the lunar rover during the Apollo mission was 17.25 miles, Miguel it is no wonder Dave wants you out of the vehicle.)

4 If you go, do not ask how far to the next rest area. If you do, at best, Dave Scott will be talking to Mission Control. At worst, he will give you additional instructions on the capabilities of your suit. (You need to relax, Mitchell. There are no rest areas on the moon. Gives new meaning to the term, “hold it.”)

3 If you go, do not tell Dave Scott someone stole the steering wheel. If you do, at best, Dave will think you are joking. At worst, he’ll realize you know nothing about the lunar rover. (The rover is controlled by a T-stick controller, Milo. Push forward and you go ahead. Right or left to go right or left. Pull back, and the brakes are engaged. Press that little button while pulling back, and the rover goes into reverse. Dave is now asking you to get out of the control seat. You blame him?)

2 If you go, do not let Dave Scott know you have AAA in case of a breakdown. If you do, at best, he’ll think you are nuts. At worst, he will call Mission Contro and ask permission to lock you in the lander. (The whole idea of AAA on the moon is laughable, Miles. The fact that you said that out loud gives Dave grave concerns about the mission safety.)

1 If you go, do not offer to play your road trip CD. If you do, at best, you will get a polite decline. At worst, you’ll now have to explain what a CD is. (The CD was first sold in 1982, Marshall. The crew has never heard of it. It is not going to help to turn up the volume on Willie Nelson’s “On the Road Again.” You have these guys concerned.)

Views of the Neighborhood – The Outing

July 26, 2020July 25, 2020 ~ John W. Howell ~ 110 Comments

The time finally came for me to go on an outing that was not doctor related. I know this may not sound like a big deal, but I was very happy to leave the neighborhood just for a little while. I hope you don’t mind that I’m dragging you along.

Views of the Neighborhood

Our first stop is..wait for it…Shred Day. Yes, we are taking all our confidential stuff that needs shredding.

views of the neighborhood

Here is a shot of the lane over from us. It gives you a good idea on the process. You pull up. The Boy Scouts take your stuff and put it in the gray tote.

So we are waved into this lane.

Already someone is pulling in behind us.

The scouts have our stuff.

They go to the truck. There is an opening where the tote fits. The tote is then emptied automatically into the shredded inside the vehicle. Now, didn’t that take your breath away?

Let’s go on to the next adventure. You won’t believe this one. Curbside pickup at HOME DEPOT. (Dan will be so jealous)

This is the real thing for sure.

While waiting for our order, I spotted this guy with his dog. Twiggy and Lucy would never stay in a cart. The order arrives and is put in the rear, and off we go. No, human contact what so ever.

I had to take this snap of the social distance line up outside of Shipley’s Donuts. You know, if I were going to join a queue, it sure wouldn’t be Shipley Donuts. A pub maybe.

I’m glad you could go out with me today. I know it was a highpoint of your week.

Stream of Consciousness Saturday – Prompt- Check/Cheque/Czech.

July 25, 2020July 24, 2020 ~ John W. Howell ~ 58 Comments

It is Stream of Consciousness Saturday time again, and here is Linda Hill to explain this week’s prompt.

Thank you, John. By the way, you need a haircut.

“Your Friday prompt for Stream of Consciousness Saturday is “check/cheque/Czech.” Use one, use ’em all, use ’em any way you’d like. Have fun!”

Thanks. Linda. If you would like to have fun, visit Linda’s blog and read how easy it is to join this troop of have funners. Here is the link.

https://lindaghill.com/2020/07/24/the-friday-reminder-and-prompt-for-socs-july-25-2020/

“Happy Saturday to you.”

“Yeah, thanks.”

“Uh, oh. Trouble in promptsville.”

“How’d you guess?”

“Long face. Since you are not a horse, I think you have the Linda Hill blues.”

“This prompt is trouble.”

“How so?”

“There are three different uses of check/cheque/Czech.”

“Why are you repeating yourself?”

“No. There are three different words. Here I’ve written them down. See?”

“Oh, now I get it. This is no big deal. Just make up a story using all three.”

“Easy for you.”

“Okay, for example. The big Czech walked into the bank to check on his cheque.”

“Then what?”

“Hey. This is not my prompt. It’s yours.”

“Fine. I think I’ll do a new one.”

“Go for it.”

“The Czeck asked the clerk if he could cash his cheque. She went to check with the manager. She came back with a sad face. “I’m sorry, but that cheque is drawn on a Czeck bank, and we have to check for the availability of funds.”

“What kind of check do you need to make on the Czeck cheque?” he said.

“The Czeck cheque needs a check on whether or not there is money to cover it in the account.”

“How long will the Czech cheque check take?”

“The Czech cheque check will take overnight.”

“I can’t wait that long. The Czech cheque check needs to done in time for dinner.”

“You can eat at my place. Then you won’t have to worry about the Czech cheque check.”

“That won’t work. I need the Czech cheque check done so I can pay for a hotel ro—”

“Okay hold on right there.”

“What?”

“What kind of story is going to turn out to be.”

“It’s a romance.”

“Yeah, that’s what I’m afraid of. You have a very warped view of romance. I think you can wrap this up.

“They lived happily ever after.”

“Okay. Good.”

“Once they kicked their drug habit.”

“That will be fine.”

“And got out of jail.”

Friday JohnKu – AKA – TGIF

July 24, 2020July 23, 2020 ~ John W. Howell ~ 72 Comments

“Look it is Friday.”
“Gee Lucy you. seem pretty excited.”
“I have to say I do like Friday.”

It is Friday again. In my mind this week went pretty fast. I really can’t explain it other than being really busy. Speaking of busy, I am over at Story Empire today talking about dialogue tags. Yeah, I know exciting stuff, eh? There might be some food for thought is you visit.

If you saw my post yesterday you know I’m getting ready to launch Eternal Road – The final stop. I will be making one more call for volunteers as we get closer to the time. Thanks to everyone who signed up already. If you missed the post here is the cover again.

COVID-19 continues to dominate the news. More cases here in Texas but some evidence that masks are causing infections to level off. I still wear mine. Of course, my going out time is limited.

You have to wonder when life will return to normal. There is turmoil everywhere and it seems we all are becoming more isolated due to questionable leadership, confusing information, and fractured communities. One has to wonder where to look for solid assurance that all will eventually be well. Today’s JohnKu lays out a hint as to where to look. I hope you all have a happy weekend. Stay safe.

When you need comfort,

A voice of authority . . .

Is found inside you.

Thursday – A Little Personal Eternal Road – The last stop Cover Reveal

July 23, 2020July 22, 2020 ~ John W. Howell ~ 89 Comments

“Yes, Lucy, what is it?”

“Haven’t you been working on a new book?”

“Yeah, I sure have. The formatting is done. The cover is done.”

“Why isn’t the launch done?”

Eternal Road

“Well, the book is different from my previous ones.”

“It’s not a thriller?”

“No, it is a bunch of things.”

“Like what?”

Eternal road

“It has touches of inspiration, paranormal, metaphysical, time-travel, adventure, mystery, justice, and the supernatural.”

“Sounds like the kitchen sink.”

“It is the kind of story that has a lot of elements, but hopefully, the common theme of good challenged by evil will be an enjoyable read.”

“So when is the launch?”

Eternal road

“I’m planning for the first week of September.”

“Why wait?”

“I need to set up the launch plan.”

“Which includes asking for volunteers, right?

Eternal road

Nice segway, Lucy. I am looking for some volunteers to host the launch announcement. Each post will be unique and, hopefully, no more than one a day. So that you can consider being a volunteer here is the blurb.

Blurb

James Wainwright picks up a hitchhiker and discovers two things 1. The woman he picks up is his childhood sweetheart, only Seventeen years older. 2. He is no longer in this world.

James began a road trip alone in his 1956 Oldsmobile. He stops for a hitchhiker only to discover she is his childhood sweetheart, Sam, who disappeared seventeen years before. James learns that falling asleep miles back caused him to perish in a one-car accident. He also comes to understand that Sam was taken and murdered all those years ago, and now she has come back to help him find his eternal home.

The pair visit several time frames and places and are witness to a number of historical events. The rules dictate that they do no harm to the time continuum. Trying to be careful, they inadvertently come to the attention of Lucifer, who would love to have their souls subjected to his will. In their travels, they also discover a threat to human survival and desperately need to put in place the fix necessary to save humanity.

The question becomes, will James find his eternal home in grace or lose the battle with Satan for his immortal soul and the future of human life with it? If you like time-travel, adventure, mystery, justice, and the supernatural, this story is for you.

Posts will run in September, and Eternal Road – The final stop will be available for preorder at $0.99 for the e-book from September 1st to October 1st.

If you are interested, please snd me an e-mail at johnhowell(dot)wave(at)gmail(dot)com

Eternal road

Well, and good, but where’s the cover?

“Good point. Here it is. Thanks for your help today.”

“Sometimes, you need a shove. Glad to do it. Is that a treat up there?”

Wednesday Story Day – AKA – Hump Day

July 22, 2020July 21, 2020 ~ John W. Howell ~ 70 Comments

It is Wednesday Story Day again, and last week we were there when Lazar Popović’s lawyer showed up. I guess we were surprised that he got there so fast. After Lazar place the call, he must have jumped into his car and took a beeline to the lockup. In any case, Lazar has the right to a lawyer during questioning. I see that the lieutenant has fetched the lawyer, and they are all gathered in the interrogation room. Let’s get over there, so we don’t miss anything.

“So, Mr. Popović Let me formally introduce myself and the team. I’m Lieutenant Mayfield, this is Larry Dunfee, and Andrew Cummings from the Boston police department. You, of course, know your lawyer … uh.”

“Jerry Stannis, lieutenant.”

“Yeah. Thanks, Jerry. Which reminds me. Mr. Popović, our readers, get way too confused with the Serbian names. Do you mind if I call you Lazar?”

“Readers?”

“Yeah don’t worry, Jerry. It’s a fourth wall situation.”

“I don’t care what you call me, Lieutenant. Just let me outta here.”

“I’m afraid that’s not going to happen, Lazar.”

“Not to interrupt this little social chat, lieutenant, but what is my client charged with if you don’t mind?”

“Not at all, Jerry. About a hundred felony counts of illegal possession of controlled substances.”

“Where did you get that number?”

“Given all the boxes and bales of drugs, I came up with an estimate.”

“My client would like to exercise his right to remain silent.”

“I’m sure he would. I just need to know if you are open to any kind of deal that we could arrange should your client co-operate in finding the source of these drugs.”

“We can always talk, but I need to know the particulars before I commit.”

“Well, right no,w your client is looking at maybe a hundred years without parole eligibility. I think we could get the DA to agree to something that might get him twenty with the possibility of parole. This would mean he’d be out in seven with good behavior. At his age, there are a lot of years after seven. Not too many after one hundred.”

“Excuse me, gentleman.”

“Yes, Lazar?”

“You don’t know how this system works. If I shoot my mouth off chances are, I won’t even serve a year before someone sticks a shive in my heart.”

“We could guarantee protection.”

“Impossible lieutenant. Do you know how easy it is to control a 24 dollar an hour guard? All you have to do is threaten his family or drop ten grand in his bank account. I wouldn’t be safe no matter where I was or who was protecting me.”

“So, you are just going to take the fall?”

“I didn’t say that.”

“What did you mean then?”

“I can give you all the information you need to put an end to a major source of drugs for the West Coast.”

“In exchange for what?”

“Federal witness protection, and this case moved to federal jurisdiction.”

“I understand the witness protection, but why federal jurisdiction?”

“You know, Taggert the local DA?”

“Yeah.”

“He’s involved. Now I’m saying no more until I see the deal in writing.”

“I hope you can back your claims with evidence.”

“Don’t worry, Lieutenant, I have plenty of evidence.”