Wednesday Story Day – AKA – Hump Day

December 16, 2020December 15, 2020 ~ John W. Howell ~ 63 Comments

“What are you doing?”
“Trying to figure out this Apple thingy.”
“Why?”
“Need to contact the folks responsible for Friday and tell them to hurry up.”
“Good luck with that.”

It is Wednesday Story Day again, and last week, we learned Andre Terrian has been involved in kidnapping for ransom schemes in the past. Although this gives us little comfort, there is no evidence that he has kidnapped Carolyn. We are very close to hearing from the French authorities on whether or not they have managed to capture Andre, Carolyn, and the slumped teen in the back seat of the blue Mercedes. Larry, Andrew, and Pricilla are headed back into the interrogation room. I think we ought to go there and see if there is any news.”

“Ah, Ms. Thomas. Is there any news?”

“Not so far, Mr. Popović. We are waiting for word from the French that they have secured Carolyn. How well did you know Andre?”

“Not well, why?”

“Just curious. I don’t want you to be too alarmed, but he has been involved in kidnap for ransom schemes in the past.”

“He told me.”

“He what?”

“Yeah, he told me all about the trouble he has been in.”

“And you still let him keep an eye on Carolyn?”

“He assured me he has taken a new turn in his life. He has a small child, and I think he is trying to put his past behind him.”

“You believed him?”

“There are times in life, Ms. Thomas, when you have to trust your gut on human behavior. Andre has a new wife and child. He is doing the best he can with legitimate work. He has found God apparently.”

“If you say so, Mr. Popović. In my experience, the straight road is very seldom taken by people such as Andre.”

“So you are saying he is going to try a kidnap for money play?”

“I’m not saying that. I am concerned that he could get it in his head to sell Carolyn to Cortez. Isn’t he the one who recommended, Andre?”

“Yes, but Cortez also told me that Andre was trying to go straight and needed a break.”

“And you believed him?”

“Why not? Of all his faults, Cortez is not a liar.”

“Not a liar? Don’t you know how ridiculous that sounds?”

“To someone like you, yes. To people like us, our word is about all we have between us.”

“But now that we have you, don’t you think Cortez will want control over Carolyn?”

“Yes, I see that. He’s not going to use Andre, though. I can almost guarantee that. He gave me his word that Andre would take good care of Carolyn.”

“Hold on, Mr.Popovic, I have a text from my contact. Let me read it for a moment.”

“Sure. When you are ready, tell me what it says?”

“This is not good.”

“Tell me. Did the French get Carolyn?”

“They missed her.”

“Missed her? How’s that possible.”

“Not sure.”

“Did Andre take her?”

“No . . . Andre was found dead in the blue Mercedes.”

Tuesday – Anything Possible – Finger Point Prompt – Landing Craft

December 15, 2020December 14, 2020 ~ John W. Howell ~ 53 Comments

Since Keith Channing is on a break, I thought it would be fun to do a finger point prompt. Here’s how it works. I open a book and randomly point to one of the pages. Whatever word my finger is pointing to is prompt. Today I opened Eternal Road – The final stop. Here’s the photo.

Finger point prompt

“So where are we, Mr. Tangent?”

“I would say somewhere close to the third planet from the sun.”

“You are saying Earth?”

“That’s right, sir.”

“Well, I never expected we would get this far. That was a mess back there.”

“It certainly was, sir. We were lucky to get away.”

“I can’t imagine why the locals were in such an uproar.”

“We only tried to help them out.”

“Yes, after all, their planet was choking on too many beings.”

“All we tried to do was lighten the load.”

“You would think we would be thanked instead of cursed. Maybe this Earth will be different. I’ve read the stats, and they also seem to have a population problem.”

“We know how to help with that.”

“Let’s just hope they are a little more reasonable than that last bunch. Do you think we ought to announce that our landing craft will soon be dispatched to help out?”

“I think that would be a noble gesture, my captain.”

“Let me get on the hailing frequency and announce our intentions.”

“The frequency is open, sir.”

“Hailing the planet Earth, do you read? Repeat. Hailing the planet Earth.”

“You are not getting a response.”

“Are you sure we are on the correct frequency?”

“Positive, sir.”

“I’ll try one more time, and if no answer, we will simply launch the landing craft. Hailing Earth.”

“This is Earth. Identify.”

“We are representatives from another planet here to help you.”

“We are but one country. What is the nature of your help?”

“We have the technology to share that will make life easier for your population. What country are you.”

“You are speaking with China.”

“Do you have the authority to speak for the planet?”

“Not yet.”

“Can you authorize us to land in your country?”

“Yes, we can do that. What is the name of your planet.”

“You have not heard from us. We have not been discovered by your civilization.”

“May I have it anyway.”

“Very well. In your language, our name is translated to COVID 19.”

“Our leader has authorized your landing. You are right. We have never heard of you but are anxious to take advantage of your science. Can you find your way?”

“We have locked on to your signal and will be there shortly, COVID out.”

Top Ten Things Not to Do Reaching the South Pole for the First Time with Roald Amundsen in 1911

December 14, 2020December 13, 2020 ~ John W. Howell ~ 90 Comments

Amundsen Party, 1911. Photo by unidentified

This week marks the 109th anniversary of explorer Roald Amundsen’s successful mission to be the first to reach the South Pole. Although it might be a might chilly, we should go there and experience what it is like. Let’s be sure to take a list of the things not to do to prevent a tear in the time continuum. We will be toasty in James’s Oldsmobile on the way there. I would dress warmly since it is fifteen below zero F (-26.1 C) right now.

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.

Top Ten Things Not to Do Reaching the South Pole for the First Time with Roald Amundsen in 1911

10 If you go, do not mention Robert Peary’s expedition to the North Pole in 1909. If you do, at best, no one cared. At worst, you mentioned it to Roald Amundsen himself. (I guess no one filled you in, Marcel. Roald was all set to take off for the North Pole when Peary beat him to it. That’s why he went to the South Pole. I don’t know if it means anything, but he’s asking you to get out of the dog sled and walk.)

9 If you go, do not try to move into Tiny the WWF champ’s tent. If you do, at best, Tiny won’t be there. At worst, Tiny, who has skipped his last few court-mandated group sessions on anger management, thinks you are taking his property. (Don’t worry about the landing this time, Matthias. The snow is fresh and quite soft this time of year.)

8 If you go, do not suggest to Roald that you think power sledges would be better than sled dog arrangements. If you do, at best, he will be busy and not hear you. At worst, he will think your suggestion is meant to sabotage the expedition. (He heard that Robert F. Scott, his competitor, was using Siberian motor sledges, Siberian ponies, and dogs. Of course, he would have no way of knowing that Scott failed. He now thinks you are a spy, Myles.)

7 If you go, Do not make jokes about yellow snow. If you do, at best, your fellow explorers have already heard them. At worse, Roald will overhear you. (now you’ve done it, Montgomery. Roald now thinks you are an idiot. I hope he doesn’t ask where you came from.)

6 If you go, do not ask how much the expedition cost. If you do, at best, no one will know. At worse, you’ll ask Roald Amundsen. ( the problem is, Murray Roald had to mortgage his house to make up the expense shortfall. He is totally in debt and is not happy with the question. Quick, ask him about his birthday.)

5 If you go, do not question what you are eating. If you do, at best, everyone will avoid the question. At worse, the cook will explain exactly what you are eating. (Due to the scarcity of protein, Marcelo. You are eating meat from the weakest dog. Yes, it had to be done, and don’t make a fuss about your Keto diet doesn’t include dog meat.)

4 If you go, do not ask about the earlier expedition in September. If you do, at best, everyone will walk away. At worst, you’ll ask Amundsen. ( Well, Marlon, this is a sore spot with Amundsen. It seems against the advice of his fellow explorers, he started out for the Pole too early. The September temperatures almost did the party in. They were lucky to get back to their base camp. Being a proud man, Amundsen doesn’t like to be reminded of his failures. He now wonders what to do with you.)

3 If you go, do not ask anyone to repeat the dark mirage story. If you do, at best, you’ll get no takers. At worst, Amundsen catches wind of your inquiry. (Around December 12th, 1911, Mickey the group spied what appeared to be a dark object on the horizon. They were all concerned until it was discovered to be their own dog droppings magnified by a mirage. Amundsen is warning you to forget the story. He’s the boss.)

2 If you go, do nor ask if the men are certain of the location of the South Pole. If you do, at best, you’ll get a yes. At worst, you will also face the ire of Amundsen. (You see, Marten, Amundsen spent three days calculation the location of the pole. He is most certain. He now wants you to step outside with ut your coat. You don’t want to do that.)

1 If you go, do not ask the fate of second-place finisher, Robert F. Scott. At best, no one will know. At worst, you might be tempted to spill the beans. (Of course, you know, Makoto that Scott reached the South Pole on January 17th, more than a month after Amundsen. You also know Scott, and his party died on the way back to their base camp after reaching the Pole. If you don’t ask, you won’t be tempted to cause a tear in the time continuum.)

Views of the Neighborhood – Twelve Days Of Christmas in Lights

December 13, 2020December 19, 2020 ~ John W. Howell ~ 95 Comments

Thanks for joining the tour of the Twelve Days of Christmas in lights. The City of Lakeway has installed these lights in different locations around the city. They then published a list of clues as to where the lights are located. Since the Producer and I have already scouted out the locations, we will just drive to them. Since this is a night tour, we will be serving a charcuterie of assorted meats and cheeses accompanied by freshly baked sourdough bread and hot spiced (and spiked) cider. Of course, there is the top-shelf bar along with a 1972 Cherryblock Cabernet and Kistler 2017 VineHill Vineyard Chardonnay. For a sweet note, we have spice cake topped with a creme cheese frosting drizzled with caramel. We also have Jimmy Buffet with his version of the Twelve Days of Christmas.

Also, I was challenged by Frank and Liz to show a picture of The Producer and me in our ninja outfits. So there it is. Let’s now get on the bus and get rolling.

The first set of lights is A Partridge in a Peartree.

Next is Two Turtle Doves

Three French Hens.

Four Calling Birds

Five GGGGGolden RRRRRRings.

Six Geese a Laying

Seven Swans a Swimming

Eight Maids a Milking

Nine Ladies Dancing

Ten Lords A Leaping

Eleven Pipers Piping

Twelve Drummers Drumming

So that’s the tour. Stay on the bus, have more food, and listen to Jimmy’s version.

Stream of Consciousness Saturday – Prompt Mini/Maxi

December 12, 2020December 11, 2020 ~ John W. Howell ~ 52 Comments

It is Stream of Consciousness Saturday time again, and here comes Linda Hill carrying a big and little box. I’ll bet she has a surprise for us as far as a prompt goes.

“Hi, Linda. What’s in the boxes?”

“It’s the Holiday, John. It needs to be a surprise. Put these under the tree and open them Christmas Day.”

“What about the prompt?”

“Man, you are type A, aren’t you. Your Friday prompt for Stream of Consciousness Saturday is “mini/maxi.” Use “mini” (the smallest of something) or “maxi” (the largest) or both in your post. Have fun!”

“Thanks for the gifts.”

“Where’d you get the boxes?”

“Linda Hill gave them to me.”

“Open them up.”

‘She said to wait until Christmas day.”

“Look around.”

“What?”

“You see Linda here?”

“Well, no.”

“So how will she know if you open them or not?”

“It will ruin the surprise.”

“What surprise is that?”

“You know the surprise you get when you open a present.”

“These don’t look like presents. These are cardboard boxes. One has the printing MAXI on it. The other MINI.”

“I know, but she said—”

“Forget what she said. You have got to break the spell she has over you.”

“She has no spell.”

“Prove it.”

“Fine. I’ll open them. The Maxi first. OMG. There is a gift certificate with all my bonus points. It is for a Bentley Turbo Convertable.”

“Wow. Lucky. What’s in the box marked MINI?”

“It’s a note.”

“What does it say?”

“Since you opened the box before Christmas, you have voided the certificate.”

“Oh, come on. Just close it back up again, and no one will be the wiser.”

“The note goes on to say not to try that.”

“At least you got the prompt written. Besides, what would you do with a Bentley?”

“Drive you to the Emergency room.”

“I don’t need the emergency room.”

“Just hold on for two minutes.”

“Why two minutes?”

“That’s how long it will take me to get my ball bat.”

“Oh, well, time to go.”

“Good move.”

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.

Welcome to Gwen Plano and Her Latest Book, The Culmination, a new beginning.

December 11, 2020December 7, 2020 ~ John W. Howell ~ 45 Comments

Thank you, John, for inviting me to your blog to help launch The Culmination, a new beginning. The book is now public on Amazon, and I’m super excited. To celebrate, the Kindle edition is on sale at 99¢ through December.

So, what’s the book about? The Culmination can best be described as a military thriller. It tackles difficult topics such as denuclearization, the power struggles over oil in the Middle East, as well as the ever-present danger of war. Readers will find themselves sitting with the Joint Chiefs of Staff, walking in the historic Red Square, and laughing with children in an orphanage in Turkey. They will glimpse the horror of war and watch the give and take of a negotiated peace. Readers will also meet the two heads of state who fall in love and subsequently commit themselves to creating a world in which all are family.

I never expected to write this book, but in some ways, I had no choice. The characters crowded into my office and insisted that I listen to them. In a very real way, they wrote the book. I simply tapped the keys and learned of the urgent need to become family.

BLURB:

The Culmination, a new beginning is the third book in The Contract thriller series. After an assassination attempt on an Air Force base in northern California, tensions mount. Heads of state meet to craft a denuclearization agreement. The meetings between these nuclear powers take a murderous turn. A nefarious conspiracy re-emerges and leads the characters into the heart of the Middle East, where they encounter the unexpected and find a reason for hope.

EXCERPT:

The leaders from the nine countries with nuclear arsenals gather in Santa Fe, New Mexico to check on the U.S.’s disarmament progress. This is the team’s first visit to any of the sites. Vice President Margaret Adler from the United States proudly leads the team to the nuclear weapons complex.

While storm-clouds gather, the leaders from the nuclear nations board an armored military transport and travel to the visitation site, the Kirtland Air Force Base Nuclear Weapons Complex in Albuquerque. An Air Force engineer greets them and explains how the investigation will proceed. He describes the disarmament process and points out the care that is taken for storing the disarmed warheads. Vice President Margaret Adler stands to his side and listens intently as he discloses the intricate steps required. The engineer then leads the team to a viewing room, where members can look out upon the collection of deactivated warheads.

After the technical questions get answered, the team returns to the hotel. They proceed to the conference room to discuss their experience and plan for the next steps. If they’d expected a leisurely working-lunch, events soon disabuse them of that notion. As the attendees take their seats, a scuffle breaks out among the Chinese delegation. A member of their team points a semi-automatic weapon at his President and yells, “Zhang subverts Mao’s principles and lives by his own!” Then he shouts something in Chinese and opens fire.

The Chinese President falls to the ground. Screams erupt and chairs topple as people scramble out of the way of the assassin. Several rush to the door in a panic. Chaos ensues.

Stunned, Margaret stands and stares, mouth agape, and heart thumping. The shooter points the weapon directly at the Vice President. “This charade will end today.”

Margaret keeps her eyes on the assailant and edges away from the group. Those still seated take cover beneath the table, and those standing take a few steps back. TV crews capture everything. Though nauseous from fear, Margaret confronts the man in quiet tones, “Sir, this is not the way to handle a disagreement. Innocent people surround you. Move to the open area, as I have done.”

Russia’s President Smirnov hurries forward and steps in front of Margaret. Meanwhile, soldiers work their way through the crowd and hold their assault weapons drawn on their target. Smirnov tries to talk the militant shooter into laying down his gun, but he will have nothing to do with the President’s directive. Instead, he aims and fires upon him. Immediately, a barrage of automatic shots discharges and kills the assailant.

Margaret can’t help but scream. She covers her mouth with her hand and blinks in shock. Time seems to stand still, and then the roar of pandemonium and fear hits her. At last, she finds that she can move and reaches to help Smirnov.

His son Ivan rushes to his side. Hit in the chest, Smirnov bleeds profusely. He coughs blood and struggles to breathe. He tries to speak, but words fail to emerge. Ivan cradles his father’s head. “I love you.”

With tears pouring down her face, Margaret holds Smirnov’s hand. An Air Force medical team dashes into the room and to the downed President’s side. Smirnov’s eyes are barely open, but he looks at Ivan and then Margaret and sputters one audible word—family. His eyes close. The Russian President takes his final breath.

Overcome by sorrow, Margaret chokes back her tears. As though in a dream, she stands. Smirnov’s blood covers her hands and suit. She summons strength and raises her voice, “We have just beheld the courage of a true leader. He has made the ultimate sacrifice.”

CONTACT INFO:

Blog: https://www.gwenplano.com/blog-reflections

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/GMPlano

Twitter: https://twitter.com/gmplano

Amazon Author’s page: https://amzn.to/3eAU2Bt

BOOK LINKS:

Letting Go into Perfect Love – https://amzn.to/3bToO7t

The Contract between heaven and earth – https://amzn.to/2U2Lgmv

The Choice: the unexpected heroes – https://amzn.to/3lcz8eA

The Culmination, a new beginning – https://amzn.to/3eEWkj9

Thursday – A Little Personal – Twiggy and Lucy Undecided

December 10, 2020December 9, 2020 ~ John W. Howell ~ 87 Comments

“It’s a beautiful day, Little One. Patio time or chase the ball time?”

“Boy. Both good choices.”

“Where d’you go?”

“I can hardly hear you. I’m checking out the ball field.”

“If it were my choice I’d do patio, Lucy.”

“But it is so nice. The temperature is perfect for ball chasing.”

“You know we can even chase the ball in the rain, Lucy.”

“You make a good point. Maybe we should take advantage of the sunshine.”

“Lots of shadows on the patio, now.”

“Looks like maybe we could do ball for a while until the sun clears the trees.”

“Or we could find some sun in the bed over here.”

“Aw, come on, Twiggy. Those stones are like needles.”

“Yeah, I forgot you heavy dogs can’t just walk on anything.”

“Heavy dog? Okay, I’m going to go chase the ball.”

“Wait a minute. You can walk on these smooth stones.”

“I might crush them being so heavy and all.”

“Have fun chasing the ball. I’m going to lay out in the sun.”

“Good for you. I’m going to jog a little. Maybe get some of that fat to go away.”

Twiggy and Lucy

“Man some people are really sensitive. Looks like Lucy has a few body image issues.”

“I can hear you, Little one.”

Wednesday Story Day – AKA – Hump Day

December 9, 2020December 8, 2020 ~ John W. Howell ~ 51 Comments

“I heard it too, Little one.”
“Think it’s Friday?”
“Pesky squirrel more likely.”

It is Wednesday Story Time again, and last week, we took a little breather. Pricilla and Jerry Stennis, Lazar’s lawyer, had a little conversation, which resulted in Stennis wanting to stay with Lazar until Carolyn’s status is known. After their discussion, Pricilla left to talk to her FBI counterpart. I see she is coming back, so we better get there and find out what that conversation was all about.

“Mr. Dunfee, could I see you outside for a moment?”

“Uh, sure, Ms. Thomas.”

“Follow me.”

“Can Andrew come too?”

“Yes, I see no reason why not.”

“Ms. Thomas?”

“Yes, Mr. Stennis.”

“Does this concern my client?”

“No, sir, it does not.”

“Thank you.”

“Excuse us for a minute.”

“Hold on, Ms. Thomas, while I get the door.”

“Gallant, Mr. Dunfee.”

“I just want to make sure it is closed.”

“Is it closed.”

“Yes, it is.”

“I said this does not concern Lazar bu it does.”

“What is it, Ms. Thomas.”

“We just got another hit on Andre Terrian, and it is not good.”

“What do you mean.”

“It looks like he was a person of interest in Corsica as the supposed leader of a kidnap for ransom scheme.”

“Corsica? That is pretty random.”

“They only used the location as a base.”

“How did they get sideways with the locals?”

“They actually had the locals in their pocket. They were never charged and left the island.”

“This does not sound good for Carolyn.”

“Yeah, no kidding. I think Lazar made a big mistake hiring him to watch Carolyn. It looks like a couple of the kidnap victims were roughed up pretty bad.”

“How so?”

“Andre was pretty forceful in his demands and sent some pretty vicious videos of the victims getting punched around if there was any delay in payment.”

“None killed or missing?”

“No. it Looks like his MO is to scare the crap out of the parents. None of the victims were seriously hurt just looked that way on the video.”

“Well, that’s one thing.”

“Let’s hope the guys in France get to Carolyn before Andre can get away. If he does, we can almost count on some kind of ransom situation.”

“How did you get all this information on Andre anyway.”

“He had an accomplice who got caught in another situation and started to talk.”

“But no one got to Andre.”

“Nope, he disappeared. Which he is good at doing.”

“When will the train reach France.”

“I’m guessing in the next ten minutes.”

“Someone going to let us know what happens.”

“Yeah, we have agreed to a text which is much faster.”

“Good idea.”

“I’m worried, though.”

“Not a good thing to hear.”

“Not a good thing to say”

“

Tuesday – A Little Personal – Kreative Kue # 292 by Keith Channing

December 8, 2020December 7, 2020 ~ John W. Howell ~ 64 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