Tuesday – Anything Possible – Kreative Kue #262 by Keith Channing

May 12, 2020May 11, 2020 ~ John W. Howell ~ 50 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 #262

“Hey, Boss?”

“Where are you. The meeting starts in five minutes.”

“Yeah, I know. It looks like I’m stuck in traffic.”

“Traffic? What does that mean?”

“You know how the morning commute is, Boss. I guess I just timed it wrong.”

“I’m real confused, Spencer. I thought you lived in the high rise behind the office.”

“I do. There has been a complication is all.”

“What kind of complication?”

“Well, you know how I like to compete in bicycle races on the weekends.”

“Yes, but this is Monday. What does a weekend bike race have to do with the fact the meeting with your client is to begin in eight minutes. You know the client that will only do business with his precious Spencer.”

“Yeah, thanks, Boss. It is a little difficult to explain.”

“Why don’t you try?”

“Okay, but I don’t think you are going to be too happy.”

“I’m already not too happy, Spencer. Just spit it out.”

“Okay. I entered a race called the Grand Prix de Manhatten.”

“So far, not too complicated.”

“I actually came in first place.”

“Congratulations. I presume that was yesterday.”

“Yes, sir, it was.”

“So get to the meat.”

“I’m in another race.”

“What? Listen to me. You get out of that race and into this office. I’ll try to stall Mitchem till you get here.”

“You think you can stall him a week?”

“A week? What are you talking about? Get here now.”

“See the thing is this race is in France. I’m cycling toward Reims right now.”

“France. How did you get to France?”

“By plane.”

“I don’t mean how in that way you idiot. I mean, what are you doing in France and don’t tell me cycling.”

“The first prize for the Manhatten race was an entry in the third leg of the Tour de France.”

“Which began this morning.”

“Yeah. I was on a plane, or I would have called.”

“What about Mitchem?”

“Let’s do a Zoom meeting.”

“With you on a bike?”

“Sure. Why not.”

“This better work.”

“Trust me.”

“Sure.”

“Really.”

“Yeah.”

Top Ten (Okay, there are twelve) Coronavirus Memes – Time for a Laugh

May 11, 2020May 10, 2020 ~ John W. Howell ~ 125 Comments

This week marks the 216th anniversary of the beginning of the Lewis and Clark expedition, but guess what? I just did not have the wherewithal to create the Top Ten Things not to do on that trip. Maybe some other day. Today, we need a laugh, so I thought I would put a few of my favorite coronavirus memes to lighten the week a little. This is not to make lite of our situation, but just to have a smile or two.

Coronavirus memes

Cause for worry

Good tip

Coronavirus Memes

True

Clever Police.

Coronavirus meme

Typical

I would want to do that.

Tough choice.

Love it.

Can’t fight it forever.

Coronavirus meme

coronavirus

Work at home blues

coronavirus meme

Maybe the answer. I hope you enjoyed these.

Views of the Neighborhood – Stay at Home Orders Relaxed

May 10, 2020May 9, 2020 ~ John W. Howell ~ 86 Comments

Since the governor of Texas relaxed the stay at home orders, I decided to go out into the world and see if folks were leaving their homes to do authorized activities. I hope you enjoy the stroll with me.

Views of the Neighborhood

The first stop Tennis courts. Yup folks on them

Foursome playing there.

Sign at the sand volleyball court. There is no one there. (Who wants to play a volleyball game with just two on a side. In the Olympics maybe.)

No one at the pool.

Five at the skatepark.

Practice green getting play.

Golf players

Snack bar players

This is the drive up food service at the country club.

Practice tee’s getting a workout.

The Greenbelt parking lot is jammed.

The city park has quite a few visitors.

The parking lot at the city park is full.

So I would say it looks like people are out and about. Thanks for coming along.

Stream of Consciousness Saturday – Prompt – “Cave”

May 9, 2020May 8, 2020 ~ John W. Howell ~ 55 Comments

It is Stream of Consciousness time again and this week’s prompt is “cave.” Linda hill says we can use it any way we want. That includes use as a verb or a noun. If you would like to have fun with words, visit Linda’s blog, and read how. Here is the link.

The Friday Reminder and Prompt for #SoCS May 9/2020

“I’m so glad it is Saturday, aren’t you?”

“Well?”

“Oh, no. The dreaded Consciousness Steam.”

“Well, it is part of who I am.”

“I agree on the part that is a nutcase.”

“Come on, you know these weekly prompts keep me going.”

“A few more weeks and you will have arrived.”

“What?”

“Never mind. What are we working on this week.”

“Cave.”

“Alright, you admit that’s what you do every week. Cave to the madness.”

“No you idiot. ‘Cave’ is the prompt.”

“Easy for you. Just describe where you are until you figure out what to write.”

“Have fun if you will, but let me remind you that if I’m in a cave you’re are right there beside me.”

“Now that I think about it; I also cave to this kind of thing each week.”

“Yeah, so quit with the mocking and get on with the help.”

“So we covered a verb and noun. What else?”

“Can we try for an adjective?”

“Hmm. Can’t think of one.”

“How about cave dweller. What kind of dweller? Cave dweller.”

“Sorry, chum. Still a noun.”

“How do you know?”

“Not sure. I just do. Now, if you were to describe someone as a cave-dwelling person, then you would be in the adjective category.”

“But then it is not using cave as an adjective.”

“Correct.”

“How do we get out of this?”

“We pull two barley pops and drink our way out.”

“I’ll finish the post. You get the pops.”

“Fair exchange. How about we order a pizza?”

“Been trying to cut down on the carbs.”

“Sausage, onion, green pepper, extra cheese, marinara, hand tossed, brick oven-baked.”

“I cave.”

“Good man. I’ll order.”

Friday JohnKu – AKA- TGIF

May 8, 2020May 7, 2020 ~ John W. Howell ~ 97 Comments

Twiggy and Lucy — “Come on, Lucy let’s celebrate Friday.”
“Right behind you, Little One.

It is Friday again, and most of the states have had some kind of easing of the restrictions connected with COVID-19. I guess we all with wait with bated breath to see if folks who bunch up together will cause an increase in the number of cases. As for Texas, the governor eased the restrictions and opened pools and hair salons. In watching the news, it looks like opening the lakes and parks with the idea of social distancing is not working. Party coves on the lakes are jammed and the walkways at parks crowded. So we will see how all this turns out.

There’s not much more going on. I’m planning to start another WIP, but I am trying to decide between two different arcs. No hurry here. Given the pandemic, time seems to be a less important asset. Today’s JohnKu talks about the new timelines. I hope you have a great weekend.

Not sure you agree,

But time seems to be less rushed. . .

Maybe it is me.

Thursday – A Little Personal – Twiggy and Lucy Sports Play

May 7, 2020May 6, 2020 ~ John W. Howell ~ 95 Comments

Lucy and Twiggy

“Dad threw the soccer ball out here.”

“I see that. What do you want to do with it?”

“Gee, I don’t know. Maybe chase it?”

“Sounds like work.”

“Nice kick. Now we need to go get it.”

“You go ahead. Kick it back to me.”

“Um. You sure you want to play?”

“I’m just turning my back to give a degree of difficulty.”

“As you can see, it’s still there.”

“Yeah. I don’t think it is self-propelled. The last one to the chaise is a dirty dog.”

“Ha, you need to take a bath.”

“Sush not so loud. Mom might hear you.”

“Now isn’t this much nicer than getting sweaty chasing a ball?”

“You’ll get no argument from me.”

“Ahhhh. Love the shade.”

“And the chaise.”

“Wait. Did you hear that?”

“You mean the sound of falling kibble.”

“Okay, so the soccer game wasn’t happening.”

“But the roar of the kibble is certainly worth paying attention to. Why is this door still closed.? Give a whine, Twiggy. That usually gets results.”

Wednesday Story Day – AKA – Hump Day

May 6, 2020May 5, 2020 ~ John W. Howell ~ 77 Comments

“Lucy. Look at those guys on our driveway. Should I bark them to St Louis.”
“Nah. It’s a baby and a mama. No need to bark at them. Keep an eye out for Friday.”

It is Wednesday Story Day time again and last week, Larry, Andrew, and Bob were confronted by the Reno SWAT team lead by Lieutenant Mayfield. After some discussion, the lieutenant gave his word that no one would be shot and that he was coming into Starbucks. He also said he thought something funny was going on, and he wanted to get to the bottom of whatever it is. He was led to believe there was a hostage situation, and now he has come to see that not to be true. I think we ought to get back as Larry has hung up the phone. The Lieutenant and four serious-looking men are coming through the door.

“Larry Dunfee, I presume.”

“Lieutenant Mayfield, so nice to meet you face to face. You look nothing like your voice.”

“Hahaha. I’ll take that as a compliment. So, what the hell do we have here?”

“As I tried to explain on the phone, Andrew and I were getting coffee, and two guys came through the door. One with a shotgun and that guy over there with a UZI.”

“Lieutenant?”

“Yes, Sarg.”

“This one is gone. Shot through the eye.”

“Thanks. That is some shooting, Larry.”

“I am a trained police officer, after all.”

“Figures, I suppose. So, Bob. You have anything to add.”

“N-no, sir. Larry here saved my life, and I won’t forget that.”

“Thanks, Bob.”

“Larry. Where did the guy with the shotgun go?”

“He ran through the kitchen and out the back door. I saw him booking across the parking lot.”

“I wonder why the dispatcher called this a hostage situation?”

“You want my take?”

“Sure, go ahead.”

“We have been investigating the murder of a Boston citizen. Our investigation led us to Cortez.”

“He did it?”

“Not that we can prove, but he did say that Taggert could be involved.”

“As in ADA, Taggert?”

“The very same. Anyway, since we have come to Reno, we have been attacked twice. We have killed the attackers all except for the guy with the shotgun.”

“Taggert didn’t press charges?”

“No, he threatened to, but we got the head of our police department and prosecutor to vouch for us. Cortez thought we ought to get back to Boston and see if we can connect our people of interest with Taggert.”

“I find this hard to believe.”

“I don’t think Cortez will talk to you.”

“No. I can’t imagine that he will. As a law office, I find it very disquieting that the person responsible for upholding the law may, in fact, be breaking it.”

“So, what do we do?”

“When is your flight?”

“Four o’clock.”

“I’ll give you an escort, and I think you can make it.”

“What about this mess?”

“Let me take a picture of your ID’s I think it will be a matter of filing some paperwork and finding out who that guy is on the floor.”

“I don’t want you to get into trouble.”

“I have full authority here, detective. I have your statement, so, as long as we can get in touch, you’re free to go. There is no reason to suspect you of a crime.”

“Thank you, Lieutenant.”

“Sergeant?”

“Yes sir.”

“Give these gentlemen an escort to the airport. Take one of those patrol cars and let the officer drive.”

“Yes sir.”

“Have a good trip. Nice meeting you both.”

“What are you going to do about Taggert?”

“Until I have something, I don’t know what to do.”

“If there is anything we can do, please call.”

“I think I will have a discussion with my boss and try to figure out a path forward.”

“Good luck then.”

“Thanks.”

Tuesday – Anything Possible – Kreative Kue # 261 by Keith Channing

May 5, 2020May 4, 2020 ~ John W. Howell ~ 57 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 #261

“Hold on.”

“What.”

“You going out in that?”

“Why not?”

“See those rocks.”

“Yeah, so?”

“You could get hurt.”

“Oh, come on. We will paddle beyond them easy peasy.”

“I don’t know. Looks pretty dangerous.”

“Just think of the waves beyond.”

“Right now, I’m thinking of the wipeout and pain.”

“You have to take your mind off that stuff and think of the beauty and greater objective.”

“Sounds like you have been here before.”

“No. Same as you, this is my first time.”

“Why do you suppose we were dropped on this beach of all places?”

“Folklore has it that our Mama came here since this was her birthplace.”

“I suppose getting into the surf is the bigger goal. Okay, I think I’m ready.”

“Good cause, I see a couple of gulls circling.”

“OMG. We need to move. Why is it turtles have to start their life like this?”

“Just be glad you aren’t a human.”

“Why’s that?”

“I hear tell they poop their pants for almost two years.”

“Okay, with that here I go. See you out there.”

“The las one to the kelp bed is turtle soup.”

Top Ten Things Not to Do in Moving Louis XIV’s Court to Versailles in 1682

May 4, 2020June 7, 2020 ~ John W. Howell ~ 64 Comments

This week marks the 338th anniversary of Louis XIV’s decision to move his court and the entire French Government to Versailles. This was a massive undertaking, and we certainly want to go and watch this happen. It nothing else; it will be a grand show of schadenfreude. If you come with us, do not forget your list of things not to do so that you can hopefully not cause a tear in the time continuum.

Top Ten Things Not to Do in Moving Louis XIV’s Court to Versailles in 1682.

10 If you go to the move, do not offer to unpack the crystal. If you do, at best, nothing will get broken. At worst, it will be your luck to pull a sizeable Venetian glass vase out of the box, and it is in two pieces. (Well, Leland. As luck would have it, you happen to have some crazy glue with you. I think you should work fast cause the last guy caught breaking a crystal piece is still back in Paris in a very dark room in the basement.)

9 If you go to the move, do not help Tiny the WWF champ unload that harpsichord. If you do, at best, Tiny will want to do it himself. At worst, Tiny, who just finished moving school, will let you have an end. (Too bad your side is the heavest, Lars. Try not to drop that silver and gold-encrusted instram—. Oops, too late, I think. Tiny is not going to get over this very soon. Let him give you an arm lock. You’ll both feel better.)

8 If you go to the move, do not tell Louis XIV that his beautiful silver chairs and throne need to be melted down to pay for the cost of the Nine Year’s War. If you do, at best, he will give you a head start. At worst, although he knows you are right, you are the messenger. (The old rule of taking it out on the messenger is once again at play here, Linus. Don’t worry. Someone will release you from the dungeon after Louis comes to his senses. Yes, you make a good point. It might take years.)

7 If you go to the move, do not think you can pick up a game of catch in the Hall of mirrors. If you do, at best you will be throwing a pillow. At worst, you are using a wooden croquet ball. (Just when you thought you had it, Lamont, the ball skips off your fingers into the seven-year bad luck zone. Don’t even try to clean up the mess. Just run.)

6 If you go to the move, do not complain about the size room you get. If you do, at best the person hearing your complaint has heard it all before. At worst, your claim is given to someone who has a smaller room than you. (That did not work well, Laurence. Yes, you have a larger room, but unfortunately, it is in the stable.)

5 If you go to the move, do not think a bottle of wine will be an adequate house warming gift. If you do, at best, it will get lost in the rush. At worst, Louis XIV will personally read your card out loud. (To add insult to injury, Leopold, your gift got the cheapskate of the day award. Don’t worry about being a laughing stock, right now, Louis is commissioning an artist to do a statue of you and your bottle of wine.)

4 If you go to the move, do not give anyone decorating advice. If you do, at best, the person you are talking to is in charge of the landscaping. At worst, you give your opinions to Charles Le Brun, the head of interior design. (That sound is Le Brun laughing at your suggestion for a more minimalist treatment of the interior design. If you are lucky, Lon Le Brun won’t have you escorted off the property. On second thought, those husky guards seem to be intent on just that.)

3. If you go to the move, do not volunteer to organize the first state dinner. If you do, at best, you’ll be turned down. At worst you will be given the job. (First off, Leander, there are over six thousand government, court, and courtier personnel that would be expecting an invitation. Second of all, if you slight one who is important, your future will look bleak indeed. Good luck with this. Have a nice day.)

2 If you go to the move, do not forget to check the wagon for anything left. If you do, at best, all the items have been unloaded. At worst, you’ll leave the symbol of le Roi Soleil (Louis XIV the Sun God) in the back of the wagon. (Nice going, Layton. That symbol is pure gold, and it would take you a lifetime to pay it back if lost. Better start hunting now before the king notices it missing. Uh oh. By the look on the face of his royalness, it is already too late.)

1 If you go to the move, do not offer to clean the bedrooms. If you do, at best someone will tell you there is a staff for that. At worst, you’ll get that assignment. (Since there are 700 bedrooms in the palace, Lyndon, you might consider the fact that you now have a guaranteed job for life. Here tale this Swiffer. You might need it.)

Views of the Neighborhood – Pots and Plants Flash Plant Sale

May 3, 2020May 2, 2020 ~ John W. Howell ~ 103 Comments

This week’s view is of a special place. Since I am a member of the household that needs to stay home, The Producer bravely went to the event. She is the creative genius behind the photos.

Views of the neighborhood

Pots and Plants had a plant sale on Flamingo Drive in Lakeway, TX. They have a plant sale every March. This year it was extended into April. The flamingos have a storied past that included standing up to the city council when ordered to be removed. They were declared pieces of art and still remain. If you would like to read the whole story HERE is a link.