It is Stream of Consciousness Saturday again, and I got a box in the mail that says to be opened by the recipient only. So I opened it. Inside I found an ear of corn, a shaker of salt, and a pound of butter with a note. Here is what the note said. “Your Friday prompt for Stream of Consciousness Saturday is “butter.” Use it as a noun, use it as a verb, use it any way you’d like. Have fun!”
So that’s it. If you would like to join in on the fun, visit Linda Hill’s post and learn how. It is effortless. Here is the link.
“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.
“Hey, Lucy. Don’t tell me it’s Wednesday.” “It’s Wednesday, Little One.” “I said not to tell me that.”
It is Wednesday Story Day time again, and last week, we found out that everything we thought is confirmed by the tech. Cortez’s men want to trade Carolyn for Lazar, and Stennis is up to his eyebrows in the plot. What surprised us is the conversation between Stennis and Cortez’s men also mentioned Pricilla in the context she will be taken care of. Knowing the Cortez crowd being taken care of is not a diamond watch or a suitcase of Benjamin Franklins. No, more like 50-pound Nikes. Let’s get back to Pricilla’s office and get her reaction.
“Taken care of? What does that mean?”
“I have no way of saying Ms. Thomas, but from the tone, I would say it’s not good.”
“Well, it is what it is. I can’t worry too much about it right now.”
“If it were me, I would get a guard detail.”
“Easier said than done. Everybody is pretty busy.”
“Andrew and I are just standing around, Ms. Thomas. We would be more than happy to serve as your guard detail. Right Andrew?”
“Most certainly.”
“Now that’s not a bad thought. You can help me with this case as well as serve as a deterrent to Cortez.”
“Uh, Ms. Thomas?”
“Yes, Agent Moore.”
“You should consider 24-hour coverage.”
“I think Agent Moore has a point, Ms. Thomas. Maybe the bureau can supply a couple of agents for twelve hours, and Andrew and I could take the other twelve.”
“Not a bad idea, detective. I’ll call the bureau right now. Agent Moore, can you wait around to verify the need.?”
“Absolutely. In fact, if you wish, I can place the call.”
“That would be very nice. Thank you.”
“Let me go to a private place and do that.”
“You can use the phone in the outer office.”
“I have my cell but will need a little privacy since I have some verbal codes that are confidential.
“I understand. Go ahead, we’ll stay here.”
“I’ll be right back.”
“Ms. Thomas.”
“Hold on, Larry. Okay, the door is shut. What is it?”
“I’ve never heard of verbal codes.”
“Me either. I guess for some reason Agent Moore wanted to speak to the bureau privately.”
“Make an alarm go off in my head.”
“What kind of alarm?”
“Ever since Andrew and I have come to Reno, we have grown to distrust those we meet. How can we be sure Mike Moore is calling the FBI and not Cortez.”
“I’ve known Mike a while, and he has always seemed to be legitimate.”
“How long is a while?”
“Several months. Long before any of this crap happened.”
“I still wondering why he couldn’t place the call in front of us?”
“I’m sure he has his reasons. He mentioned codes. Maybe that’s the truth.”
“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.”
“You have Breckenridge Control, Cessna 174. What is the nature of your emergency?”
“I’m losing altitude but cannot explain why. Currently going through ten-thousand heading for nine.”
“Your nearest airfield is Hanover. Would you like vectors to Hanover?”
“Affirmative Breckenridge. Cessna 174.”
“Turn to 220 degrees maintain nine thousand. Contact Hanover tower at 290.5.”
“290.5, nine thousand. The problem is I just went through nine, heading for eight. Cessna 174.”
“Maintain eight thousand, switch to 290.5. Breckenridge out.”
“Hanover, Cessna 174 with you at eight thousand heading for seven.”
“Affirmative Cessna 174. Breckenridge said, you have a problem?”
“Roger that, Hanover. I cannot maintain altitude.”
“Understood, Cessna 174. What is your DG?”
“220 degrees.”
“Maintain 220 degrees. You. are cleared to land on runway 22. You are about six miles from touchdown. Do you have the runway in sight?”
“I’m not sure, Hanover. There is a double rainbow right in front of me. I’m having trouble seeing beyond it.”
“We do not see the rainbow from here. Can you look beyond it, Cessna 174?”
“No, It’s . . . uh . . . like a curtain.”
“Maintain your current rate of descent, Cessna 174. You should be at the end of the runway shorty.”
“I . . .uh. . . can’t”
“You’re breaking up Cessna 174. Did you say you can’t? . . . Cessna 174? . . . Do you copy Cessna 174? . . . Hanover to Cessna 174 do you read?. . . Cessna 174.”
This week marks the 160th anniversary of the establishment of the Colorado territory in 1861. Normally on our time travel, we go to the point of the historic anniversary. Since the actual establishment was done in Congress and there is the potential of catching a rash when we go near Washington, we will travel to Colorado. We want to observe how the population is taking the news. Since most of the Colorado people are involved one way or another in gold mining, we will be seeing a lot of miners. We don’t want to cause a tear in the time continuum, so we need to have our list handy.
James Wainwright’s 1956 Oldsmobile from Eternal Road – The final stop. You should read this one on Amazon. Just click the car to go there. Hurry back.
10 If you go, do not stand in a minor’s claim on Pike’s Peak. If you do, at best, the miner will be at the saloon. At worst, you’ll be taken for a claim jumper. (You know how it is, Marlin. These guys are jumpy around strangers. That shotgun looks like it’s loaded. might be time to go.)
9 If you go, do not ask Tiny, the WWF champ, if he ever played for the Denver Broncos. If you do, at best, he will be busy panning for gold. At worst, he will think you are teasing him. (Tiny has missed that last seven group sessions on positive self-image, Marlyssa. He thinks you are wondering if he ever played with horses and has taken offense. Don’t worry, the way down isn’t very long. Oops didn’t know he was tossing you off of Pike’s Peak.)
8 If you go, do not ask the saloon keep for a Mountain Brewed Coors. If you do, at best, he’ll just wait on someone else. At worst, he’ll deploy the famous mallet that he keeps behind the bar. (You see Marq, Adolf Coors began brewing beer in 1873, so the saloon keeper never heard of it. Like Tiny, he can’t believe he doesn’t know something, so your head being kissed by the mallet explains it all.)
7 If you go, do not ask for a cheeseburger at the local restaurant. If you do, at best, no one will know what you mean. At worst, you’ll be served something you can’t identify. (The reason is, Marquise, although you heard the cheeseburger was invented in Denver, it wasn’t until 1935. Go ahead and eat that ground cheese.)
6 If you go, do not ask for directions to the rodeo. If you do, at best, you’ll get puzzled looks. At worst, those you ask will wonder where you call home. (Although the first rodeo was held in Deer trail, Colorado, in 1869, Marsh, you are a little ahead of your time. A couple of those roughnecks are wondering if you are going to ride that bull. Saying no does not look like an option.)
5 If you go, do not ask if anyone found a gold nugget. If you do, at best, folks will think you are nuts. At worst, they may think you are a con man. (The largest piece of gold found in Colorado was a 156 troy-ounce ( 10.76 pounds) piece of pocket gold found by Tom Groves in 1887 in Breckenridge. Most of the Denver area’s gold was placer gold in small pieces or dust, Mattainn. Looks like the Sherrif wants to talk to you.)
4 If you go, do not mention the total output of all the mines in Colorado. If you do, at best, they won’t believe you. At worst, they will think you are from another planet. (You should have kept your mouth shut, Martinien. Telling everyone that total gold production from the area would be over 1,155 tons made you look like an idiot. Here comes a gang of well-wishers with torches. Hope you like rail riding with tar and feathers.)
3 If you go, do not try to sell Pike’s Peak or Bust t-shirts. If you do, at best, no one will be interested. At worst, you’ll sell hundreds. (You now have a big problem, Marven. The T-shirt was not invented until after 1898, when the Navy issued them as standard underwear. How are you going to find someone to make them? I think you better give refunds pronto.)
2 If you go, do not do any strenuous exercise until you are used to the altitude. If you do, at best, you’ll just faint. At worst, you’ll get a case of altitude sickness. (You don’t want to fall off a mountain, Masoud. That first step can be a long one. Can you scream for 10,000 feet?)
1 If you go, do not argue with anyone about being able to stand where four states come together. If you do, at best, there is no money placed on a bet. At worst, your new BMW is now owned by a grisly miner. (It is possible to be in more than two states at the same time, Matchithew. In Colorado’s southwest corner, the state borders three others, Arizona, New Mexico, and Utah. The Four Corners Monument is where to stand in Arizona, New Mexico, and Utah at the same time. I wonder how that guy is going to get your BMW. It is sitting back in 2021. No, he’s not coming with us.)
Well, today is certainly gloomy. Here’s a shot of the fog in front of the house. Today’s trip is to see if we can find any trace of spring after our 144 hours of freezing temperatures. It looks like we will need to amp up the food, so we have hired The French Laundry in Yountville, California, to cater to our trip today. Thomas Keller has prepared a Chef’s tasting menu for your enjoyment.
“OYSTERS AND PEARLS”
“Sabayon” of Pearl Tapioca with Island Creek Oysters and Regiis Ova Caviar
GOLDEN BEET “GAZPACHO”
Tomato Water “Gelée” and Fragrant Basil.
“BREAD AND BUTTER”
Bitter Cocoa Laminated Brioche and Diane St. Clair’s Animal Farm Butter.
CHILLED DUNGENESS CRAB
Brokaw Avocado Mousse, Cilantro Infused Olive Oil, “Salsa Cruda,” and Toasted Brioche.
SAUTÉED FILLET OF “LOUP DE MER”
Garden Broccoli “Ravioli” and Spanish Caper “Velouté.”
APPLEWOOD SMOKED LIBERTY FARMS PEKIN DUCK
Wilted Arrowleaf Spinach and “Sauce Diable.”
or
HAND ROLLED RICOTTA “AGNOLOTTI”
Cheese Rind “Consommé” and Shaved Périgord Black Winter Truffles.
ALL DAY BRAISED ELYSIAN FIELDS FARM LAMB
Rancho Gordo Pinquito Beans, Kettle Garlic “Béchamel,” San Marzano Tomato Marmalade and English Thyme Jus. or
“STEAK AND POTATOES”
Charcoal Grilled Japanese Wagyu, Russet Potato “Darphin,” La Ratte Potato Purée and Caramelized Onion “au Jus.”
“GOUGÈRE”
Andante Dairy “Etude” and Preserved Périgord Black Winter Truffle “Fondue.”
ASSORTMENT OF DESSERTS
Fruit, Ice Cream, Chocolate, and Candies.
For the red wine, we have a Napa Valley cabernet sauvignon Araujo, “Eisele Vineyard” 2009, and the white also from Napa Valley Kongsgaard, “The Judge” 2018. Today’s entertainment is Bob Seger.
Hop on, and let’s get going.
The agaves took a real hit in the freezing weather. If you squeeze these points and they are solid, then your agave will survive. All the dead leaves need to be cut off.
This is new grass that was planted last month. Looks like it is doing well.
We need to go to the greenbelt to see the effects of the storm.
Ah ha. Some gladiolas are pushing up.
Here are some daffodil plants making an appearance. The deer have no doubt eaten the other blooms.
A broken juniper.
Here is one of my favorite places to contemplate.
I thought you would like to see and hear the water.
A cut juniper.
The origin of the cut.
Some lovely green moss on an oak tree
The lily pads are still there.
I never noticed this accommodation of the tree by the fence before.
Spillways look fine.
Looks like the bluebonnets have come up.
The poor cactus community was hard hit.
Here is an example of how the agaves need to be cut.
Here is a palm that has been given a haircut for survival.
A couple of trimmed sago palms.
That is the tour for today. Stay, eat and drink and listen to Bob. I hope you have a great week.
It is Stream of Consciousness Saturday time again, and I looked up in time to see a balloon floating down into the yard. Not being cautious, I ran over since I could see an envelope attached to a string on the balloon. Sure enough, the return address was Linda Hill’s. I ripped open the envelope to find out the prompt this week. To my surprise, here’s the message. “Your Friday prompt for Stream of Consciousness Saturday is “-sty.” Find a word that ends in “-sty” or use the word “sty.” Enjoy!”
If you would like to participate, visit Linda’s blog and see how easy it is to lose your grip[ on reality. Here’s the link.
“Where you going Little One?” “Gonna find someone who will ruckus with me. It’s Friday.” “I will.” “You have to move to ruckus.” “Good point.”
It is Friday, and what a difference in the neighborhood. Now that the power is back and the temperatures have gone from below freezing into the high 70s, I have to say I’m a happy camper.
The investigations into the cause of so many homes without power are underway. Six board members of the Electric Reliability Council of Texas, or ERCOT, the industry nonprofit that operates the grid that supplies power to 90 percent of the state, have resigned. The governor has stated that those resignations do not represent the end of the issue. He has asked the Stare legislature to conduct a full investigation of the root cause of the problem and develop solutions to prevent it from occurring again. He has also called upon the Travis County District Attorney to investigate any basis for criminal charges. This situation needs to be rectified, and it will.
Those most unsympathetic bloggers have used the unfortunate situation to rant about how Texas people should now be sorry they didn’t vote out elected officials and vote in their candidates last November. This is the most insulting shoulda, woulda, coulda imaginable. It’s like telling a flood victim that they should have known better than to live in a flood plain. Such comments directed at the Texas voting population are a disgusting example of political blindness and a total lack of knowledge of the true facts.
One needs to remind these know-it-alls (the most vicious live outside of Texas) that the deregulation of Texas energy in 2002 was supported by Texas’s citizens. They should also know that before this unprecedented weather, Texas’s energy system had been functioning very well under the stress of the extremely high temperatures so common here for most of the year. Although deregulation has not reduced the cost of energy, it has ensured its availability.
Texas tends to take care of its own, and as big a deal non-Texans want to make of Texas’s flaws, we will overcome this current problem. Also, for all those who continue to harp on Ted Cruz’s lack of judgment, let me say he is our problem, and we thank you for sharing your opinions. His future looks bleak and we will have to ride out his term in the Senate.
Today’s JohnKu is a reminder to be careful about criticism. I hope you have a super weekend.
