Wednesday Story Day – AKA – Hump Day

May 19, 2021May 18, 2021 ~ John W. Howell ~ 53 Comments

“You going to wait up for Friday?”
“Think I’ll sleep till then.”
“Good plan.”

It is Wednesday Story Day again, and last week we found out that the car making the pick-up at the Chick-Fil-A was a Cadillac Escalade, and the license number was clearly visible. So, with that information, the team headed to Mike Moore’s office at the FBI headquarters in Reno. I see they are in Mike’s office now, which means we can catch up with them.

“I have the database on my laptop so we can search for the plate here.”

“Good. Seems like we have to do a lot of running around to get things done.”

“I would talk to the guy with the pen about that.”

“How long is the search going to take?”

“Here it is.”

“Amazing.”

“Looks like the plate belongs to a Prius. It is registered to a couple in Tahoe. Hold on. Let me check the stolen vehicle database as well. No record of the Prius being stolen. I think we will need to call the couple to double-check.”

“There is no record of the Cadillac?”

“Yeah, that will take longer. This system is set up by plate number. Here let me do a search on the name field.”

“Is this just Nevada?”

“Yup, for now. I can expand to the US. I wish we had that plate number.”

“How about the dealer? Couldn’t they be of some help?”

“Depends on how good their records are. What year would you say that Escalade is anyway?”

“Boy, that would be a guess, but I would say maybe a 2019 or 20.”

“Why do you say that?”

“I know they named a style change for the 2021 year. That doesn’t look like the change.”

“Hey, Larry.”

“What, Andrew?”

“You looking to buy an Escalade.”

“No. Why?”

“Just wondered why you knew about model changes, is all.”

“It’s a long story. Maybe some other time.”

“I don’t have a hit on the Escalade at all. The system is still going through the national database. This could take all day. We need to go see that dealer.”

“I think we ‘d better get going then.”

“I’ll take my laptop so I can stay on the search. Wait, here’s something. An Escalade reported stolen in LA two weeks ago. The color is wrong. This one is black.”

“Okay, let’s go.”

Friday JohnKu – AKA – TGIF

April 2, 2021April 1, 2021 ~ John W. Howell ~ 88 Comments

Lucy and Twiggy — “We’ve looked high and low for Friday, Lucy and guess what?”
“What Little one?”
“It’s here. Look up.”

We made it to Friday. That is always a good thing. I hope you are looking forward to something interesting this weekend.

The Producer got her first shot this week, and today, I get my second. In Texas, 17% of the population has had both shots and 30% at least one. We are a long way from herd immunity. I will be resting easier after the series is finished in our house and way easier when 70 % of the population is fully immunized.

I don’t know about your town, but we still see random shortages at the grocery store. There is no rhyme or reason for them. For example, there were no limes except bagged. The producer and I will take up margarita drinking since we had to buy a bag when we needed one. Other items like selections of hamburger buns, kinds of breads, and reasonable sizes of half and half. Maybe it was the boat caught in the Suez Canal.

I have reverted back to my old discipline on my WIP. That being 1000 words a day before anything else. I don’t know why I thought I could handle doing my 1000 words in the afternoon after all the blogs had been visited, e-mails done, and my post of the day complete. I found I was too tired to put in a 1000 word sprint. Since I’m turning eighty in May,, I think mother nature tells me to put first things first. So I have begun reading comments on my blog with coffee. Writing on my WIP till I have 1000 words. Doing e-mails, visiting blogs, and my daily post. Hitting social media last. So I may be showing up at your place a little later. Anything that comes in after 6:00 may not get handled that day. So far it is working.

Today’s JohnKu talks about making adjustments when necessary. I hope you all have a great weekend.

When the schedule,

Is not producing results. . .

You know change is right.

Friday JohnKu – AKA- TGIF

March 5, 2021March 4, 2021 ~ John W. Howell ~ 115 Comments

“There is no wild animal there, Twiggy. Let’s play.”
“It never hurts to be careful.”
“Careful is another word for obsessed.”

It is Friday again, and time to get ready for the weekend. This week our governor announced that all businesses Can open up with 100% occupancy. In addition, facemasks are no longer mandatory.

Not sure what to make of all that. I think such a move is going to have a detrimental effect on the spread of the virus. There haven’t been enough vaccinations yet to say there is herd immunity. I believe only 7.5% of all Texans have received full protection.

I’m in priority group 1B and am now looking for a vaccine spot. I had originally thought I could wait until more of the vaccine is available. With the governor’s move, I definitely feel vulnerable. I will continue to wear a mask to my doctor visits. (The only time I go out) The available vaccine is in short supply, and it is challenging to find a place to get a shot.

We will see how packed bars, restaurants, and people wandering around with no masks plays out. I’m betting that, in hindsight, it will be a problem.

Today’s JohnKu talks about whose responsibility it is to protect oneself from the virus. I hope you all have a safe and happy weekend.

When infection risk,

Is all around you today . . .

You must protect you.

Friday John Ku – AKA – TGIF

January 29, 2021January 28, 2021 ~ John W. Howell ~ 75 Comments

“What are you doing out there, Lucy.”
“Since it’s Friday I’m walking the line to make sure it’s secure.”
“Now at least I know where I get my paranoia.”

We have a Friday! Yes, indeed, it is here.

This week has been a good one. Lots of news from Washington regarding executive orders from the president. Looks like most of the problems of society are ordered to be solved. It will be interesting to see the longer-range effects on some of them. I think most people feel good that something is being done about what are perceived to be inequities.

I have gotten into a rhythm regarding my latest WIP. I’m able to get down something each day, which is an important thing to do. I wrote the last three lines, which I always do, but I am not sure they will stick. Here they are, so you can keep me honest.

Sam feels the light slowly spread around her as the source comes closer from above. Her tears do not obey her will and run unchecked from her eyes. She hesitates but finally looks up into the blinding storm and whispers, “Thank you, my Lord.”

Yes, my WIP is another book with Sam and James. This time they have been called upon to find a soul and guide who are missing on the Eternal Road. The soul is Ryan Sanders, who stayed with his crippled plane in Afghanistan to prevent it from crashing into a settlement. The guide is Eddie Rickenbacker. Yes, that Eddie Rickenbacker. Sanders always admired the WWI pilot.

There you have it. Just enough to keep me on the hook. Oh, one last thing. The first stop on the Eternal Road is Super Bowl I. The book has a working title of On the Road Again, but that probably won’t stick.

Today’s JohnKu is about a story. I hope you all have a great weekend. On Sunday, we are doing a potpourri kind of tour. A little bit of a mixture of things.

You can plan and think,

But until something grabs you . . .

The story is not yours.

Friday JohnKu – AKA – TGIF

January 8, 2021January 7, 2021 ~ John W. Howell ~ 83 Comments

“Yes,Twiggy it’s Friday.”
“Thank heavens. Didn’t think I would make it.”
“Why? What do you have to do?”
“Wait, Lucy, wait.”
“Blessed is he who stands and waits.”
“Well, I sat most of the time, and I’m a she.”

Twiggy gets her wish. Friday is here, and we are all glad. Before I forget I am also at Story Empire today. Here’s the link but come back.

This has been one heck of a start to 2021. We all witnessed an insurrection act that we haven’t seen since the British burned the Capital in 1814. The sight of those Proud Boy hooligans desecrating the House Chamber was enough to turn the stomach.

There was no excuse for this to happen. The Capitol Police had enough warning from the Hooligan in Chief that this could be a possibility. There were not enough officers placed at the Capital to maintain law and order. If the Capital Police didn’t think they had the human resources to do the job, then Federal troops were needed. I’m no lover of the conduct of Congress but seeing them having to scurry out of the place was a sick sight.

I’m betting that law enforcement needs the mandate to enforce. The sight of that Capital guard chased up a flight of stairs made me wonder how far we are willing to let unruly mobs go. You can draw comparisons to the BLM protests all day long and criticize the lack of Police action as much as you want. The fact of the matter is these thugs should never have gotten access to the Capital, and somebody better figure out why they did and fix the problem.

I’m hoping someone does an honest evaluation of the security needs for the inauguration and then takes the steps necessary to eliminate any mob rule threat. I would also hope that an exercise of the 25th Amendment will ensure that inside leadership of any seditious behavior will be absent.
Today’s JohnKu talks about our heritage. I hope you all have a wonderful weekend.

Mocking the Congress,

Flaunting the laws of the land. . .

Not our heratige.

Friday JohnKu – AKA – TGIF

December 11, 2020December 10, 2020 ~ John W. Howell ~ 84 Comments

“Well. it’s Friday, Little one.”
“Yes, it is, and a beautiful day too.”
“Did you stop and smell the flowers.”
“I did. Now I’m ready for whatever that thing is making the noise.”

Here we are on another Friday. My goodness, how the time gets away.

Not much is going on. I am busy collecting the photos for the next two Views of the Neighborhood. All is going well except for some technical problems with the subjects themselves. If they are not solved, I’ll just run the photos with the problems included.

Been waiting on word from the FDA on the Pfizer Vaccine for Rona. Looks like approval might be next week. After approval, there will only be about 5 million doses available (In two shipments) for front line workers. The vaccine from Moderna is the one that is expected to be used for up to 50 million people by the spring. It would be nice to get a large number of folks inoculated so we could start living a more normal life.

I have all my holiday shopping done. Like a stand-in for Howard Hughes, I did it all online. Didn’t have to get near anyone. Good for the Rona avoidance. Not so good for the spirit of the holiday.

This week’s JohnKu talks about this year’s holidays. I hope you all have a great weekend.

Happy holidays,

Without the shopping hustle . . .

Doesn’t seem the same.

Friday JohnKu – AKA – TGIF

December 4, 2020December 3, 2020 ~ John W. Howell ~ 79 Comments

“Whatyadoing, Lucy?”
“I’m Taking a sunbath.”
“You sure no one can see you?”
“So what if they can.”
“You’re not dressed.”
“Neither are you.”
“Boy now that you mention it.”

Yes, it is Friday. Pretty soon, the cares of the week will be history as we take a breath over the weekend.

A few activities are going on in the neighborhood that I will be covering for the month’s balance on Views of the Neighborhood. For those who follow that feature, we usually have food, drinks, and music to go along with the tour. I have the bus all decorated for the holidays so it should be pretty festive.

This week we will be visiting a local Holiday Fair sponsored by Emmaus Church. I’m looking forward to seeing people and taking some shots of the gift possibilities. I will be in my Hazmat suit with the self-contained environment.

Next week Lakeway has set up a light scavenger hunt. There are twelve locations, so the Producer and I will be in our nighttime ninja gear capturing that scene.

The following week is the Sunday before Christmas, so I will be doing the Trail of Lights. The producer and I will again don the nighttime stealth equipment.

Since Christmas eve falls on a Thursday, I have asked Twiggy and Lucy to stand down while I finish some neighborhood decorations.

Now the schedule is set, so at least I can relax and enjoy the festive spirit. Today’s JohnKu talks about the spirit of the holidays. I hope you all have a great weekend.

They come every year,

The holidays don’t sneak up . . .

So embrace the spirit.🎄

Friday JohnKu – AKA – TGIF

November 20, 2020November 20, 2020 ~ John W. Howell ~ 55 Comments

“What’s going on you two?”
“I want the chipmunk toy and Twiggy won’t share.”
“Um-hum. Twiggy?”
“Well, I guess.”
“It’s Friday Ladies. Time for fun.”
“Chipmunk is fun.”

It is Friday and hopefully, you are as glad as Twiggy. We can now look forward to a couple of days to recharge. At least that’s what I do.

Not too much going on this week. We have increasing cases of Rona (I believe I know her well enough to call her by her nickname) and our county just upped the severity level to four. That means restaurants and bars need to go back to 50% occupancy and large gatherings discouraged. The parks remain open so mostly it is business as usual.

This weekend is the anniversary of the assassination of John F. Kennedy. It was over fifty years ago but to those of us who were in college at the time will never forget those days. The country came to a standstill as we mourned the death of the man we considered as “Our President.” Now the event has passed into history and those of us who were there are relics as well.

Today’s John KU talks about history. I hope you all have a great weekend.

We live through events,

That remain with us always . . .

History are us.

Friday JohnKu – AKA – TGIF

November 13, 2020November 12, 2020 ~ John W. Howell ~ 77 Comments

“Yes Lucy it’s Friday and I’m taking the day off.”
“Okay, Little One. You relax I’ll get the kibble.”
“What kibble?”

It is Friday, which is known as Saturday Eve around here. Well, we have heard that the Rona Virus Vaccine is 90% effective in third stage trials. That is pretty good news. I noticed Ticketmaster has decided to start setting up procedures for concerts once the vaccine is released. I think it will be good to get these pesky teens away from books and back to the music scene. (Spoiler alert: That was a joke)

The lull between inauguration and voting day is a blessed piece of peace so far. I can’t tell you how much nicer it is without having to listen to the right and left sprew hate at each other. Of course, the pundits some blogs, and Twitter trending posts are still full of it, but they are easy to avoid.

I, for one, am glad some of the shows I enjoy are back. I can only watch HGTV for so long. (Well, dummy, it has been almost nine months, so you have at least that much stamina.) I have to explain. I only watch 45 minutes of entertainment a day. I prerecord everything and then playback. An hour network show takes 45 minutes to play. Then I watch the news for twenty. I guess I shouldn’t exclude news from the entertainment category, but I’m really after the weather because our local news follows the same pattern. 1. Hit and run, assault, or murder (If it bleeds, it leads) 2. Local school district and/or teacher angst. 3. Rona virus update (With no context) 4. Weather highlight. 5. Report from Washington (usually an insult to average intelligence) or Austin city report, which usually will include an update on those experiencing homelessness along with the mayor or city council members explaining why nothing can be done about whatever the issue happens to be. 6. The full weather report including the five day forecast. 7. TV off.

So you can see the time is precious and I want pure entertainment. There are ten shows recorded regularly, and I can only watch seven in a week. My viewing then usually lasts until well into summer.

Today’s JohnKu talks about rest for the mind. I hope you. all have a great weekend.

The body needs it,

So rest is all important . . .

Don’t forget the mind.

Friday John Ku – AKA- TGIF

November 6, 2020November 5, 2020 ~ John W. Howell ~ 78 Comments

Well, it is Friday and a nice milestone in the week’s travails. As I write this, I still don’t know who has won the election at the presidential level. Before I make any comment,let me be clear. Whoever wins should receive the support of our entire country.

I have been appalled by some of the vicious personal attacks written by fellow bloggers. There is one blogger out there who calls those who vote for other than her candidate A-holes. Unfortunately, the followers of that blog provided supporting words for that outrageous statement. Why is it outrageous? Anytime Americans are denigrated for voting for their choice, one more piece of freedom is threatened. Instead of A-hole, what if this person called those choosing the other candidate ‘traitors?’

We need to think about how we handle disagreement in this country. Do we continue to shout it down or listen and respond? Anyone out there who has written a slanderous statement about either candidate or their supporters should be ashamed of themselves. It is now time to knock it off and get back to being a decent society again.

Today’s John Ku talks about the freedom to choose. I hope you all have a great weekend.

My right to choose those,

To represent my interests . . .

Is part of freedom.