Tuesday – Anything Possible -Kreative Kue #288 by Keith Channing

November 10, 2020November 9, 2020 ~ John W. Howell ~ 59 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 #288

“I would say tear it down, sir, but it is three hundred years old.”

“I mean, everything was fine until yesterday.”

“What happened yesterday?”

“I went about my normal day.”

“How’s that look?”

“Well, let’s see. Got up, took the dog out, had coffee.”

“Sounds like you’ve covered the first hour at best.”

“Well, now just hold on. Ah, yes. While I was walking the dog, I noticed an unusual burn in the field over there.”

“Uh-huh. Go on.”

“I just thought it was weird. A circle burned in the field.”

“How large a circle?”

“That’s not the important part, but I would say twelve feet.”

“That is pretty big.”

“Anyway. I went over to have a look. The burned part smelled like lavender.”

“That’s odd.”

“I thought so too. I turned to leave and was blinded by a light.”

“Don’t tell me. You were then revved up like a deuce, another runner in the night.”

“Teah, very funny. You want to hear this or not?”

“Sorry. Go ahead.”

“Okay, then it felt like I had a boulder on my shoulder.”

“You tripped on a merry go round.”

“Huh?”

“Nothing. Continue.”

“I finally figured out I was being abducted by aliens.”

“Okay, sir. Hold it right there. I came here to give you a bid on the roof. I’m not one to hold to conspiracy theories and stuff like that.”

“This is the truth.”

“I can’t handle the truth.”

“Calm down. As you can see, I’m here. The only thing that happened is we all got into some kind of drink. Then this girl told me she could turn me on to something strong.”

“They played the song with the funky break.”

“How’d you know?”

“It’s a song lyric, sir. Excuse me, I gotta get going.”

“We razed the roof.”

“I’ll say you did. Now I need to get into my curly whirly. Have a nice day, sir.”

“Wait. You haven’t heard the best part.”

“Sorry. My mama always told me not to look in the eyes of the sun. Bye.”

“Too bad he’s gone. He’s going to miss seeing the calliope crash to the ground.”

Top Ten Things Not to Do on Veterans Day

November 9, 2020November 8, 2020 ~ John W. Howell ~ 60 Comments

This week marks the 102nd anniversary of the end of World War One. On the eleventh hour of the eleventh day of the eleventh month of 1918, the hostilities ended with the Armistice Agreement’s signing. Since that time, nations around the world observe the day with remembrance. Until June 1, 1954, November 11th was designated Armistice Day in the US. Armistice Day primarily honored those who participated in WWI. Since WWII and Korea had occurred, legislation was passed to rename Armistice Day Veterans Day, which then became a day to honor American veterans of all wars.

So the Top Ten Things Not to Do on Veterans Day all remain the same.

Do not forget to honor our veterans, both the living and those who are no longer with us. It is they who gave selfishly of themselves so that we may have the freedom we enjoy today.

This week, I honor, Major John Fremole Orlando Howell M.D, Lieutenant John Allen Howell, Lieutenant Thomas Wreesman, Warrant Officer James Sharp, and Gunnery Sergeant Bob Sharp. Each served their country in a time of war.

views of the Neighborhood – Potpourri

November 8, 2020November 7, 2020 ~ John W. Howell ~ 95 Comments

This week’s tour started out being about trees. Then a couple of things came up so it is now a bunch of stuff. We have stocked the bus with an assortment of goodies including crudities, fresh-caught snapper, red potatoes, green beans, and creme brulee. We are also serving called cocktails and drinks so you can order what you want.

Climb aboard the bus. We also have Kid Rock for entertainment. He brought a friend with him

Views of the Neighborhood

The first stop is an oak tree starting to turn red.

Next is the first holiday decoration in the neighborhood and I’m sure in the neighborhood. Santa doing pull-ups on the eve trough.

Hey, I was wrong. A couple of grapevine reindeer.

A large golden crepe myrtle.

Not sure what this tree is but it is old and pretty. (Like me)

A young Crep myrtle in full color.

Another oak just starting to turn.

And so we come upon a hybrid. Thanksgiving, Halloween, and holiday all together.

Hold on. We need to wait for this family to get out of the way.

More crepe myrtles starting their gold imitation.

Turning oak.

Views of the Neighborhood

Oak almost filled out.

Beautiful red berries.

Well, that does it for today. Stay and have some more food and listen to the music.

Steam of Consciousness Saturday – Prompt – “Jour”

November 7, 2020November 6, 2020 ~ John W. Howell ~ 46 Comments

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

“Hi, Linda.”

“Hello, John. Your Friday prompt for Stream of Consciousness Saturday is “jour.” Find a word containing “jour” or use it as is. Bonus points if you start or end your post with that word. Enjoy!”

Thank you, Linda. I hope you noticed that I started the post with ‘bonjour.’ Bonus points earned. I can almost smell the calfskin seats in my new Bentley.

Views of the neighborhood

If you would like to join in and have some fun, visit Linda’s blog and read how easy it is. Here is the link.

The Friday Reminder and Prompt for #SoCS Nov. 7/2020

“Journaling, I see.”

“Yep. Trying to capture the thought de jour.”

“Is your journalizing work in French?”

“No. I was just expressing my journey in a flowery way.”

“Let me guess. Your prompt is ‘jour.'”

“Spoken like an investigative journalist.”

“No, journalese. I have known you for a long time.”

“Want to know what I have written in my journal?”

“I imagine it is pure journeyman quality.”

“Whatever that means. I do try my best to journalize as best as I can.”

“Okay, so read me what you have journaled.”

“Ahem. I woke up today and drank my coffee. Then I took a shower.”

“Yu can stop right there.”

“Wait the best part is yet to come.”

“Goodness go ahead.”

“My prompt is jour and John came through the door.”

“Go ahead.”

“That’s it.”

“No observations on life in your journeyworks?”

“What would those be?”

“Something like, ‘I woke up today and had the feeling that this would be the best day of my life.”‘

“I didn’t have that feeling.”

“Fine something else then.”

“How about, ‘I woke up today with a song in my heart.”‘

“There you go.”

“It’s a lie.”

“Try this, ‘I woke up today with the feeling someone was gong to hit me.”‘

“I didn’t do that either.”

“Too bad you are not clairvoyant.”

Friday John Ku – AKA- TGIF

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

Lucy and Twiggy — “Hold on Little One. I think it is here somewhere.”
“What is it?”
“Friday.”

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.

Thursday – A Little Personal – Twiggy and Lucy Outside

November 5, 2020November 5, 2020 ~ John W. Howell ~ 79 Comments

Lucy and Twiggy

“I thought I saw the ball out there, Lucy. You see it?”

“It’s not here, Little one.”

“You sure? I could have sworn it was there somewhere.”

“Still don’t see it.”

“What’s that green thing by your butt?”

“OMG. It wasn’t there a few minutes ago.”

“Well, it’s there now. Mmmm, this sun feels good.”

“Yeah, take a break. You have been working too hard today.”

I’ll tell ya. After that cold snap, this feels so nice.”

“This is my kind of living, Little Potato.”

“Of course there is that confounded squirrel, Lucy. Uh, Lucy?”

“I can’t hear you, Little One. I’m on the hunt.”

“What is it?”

“Not sure. It growled like a grizzly but smells like a possum.”

“Well, that was sure anti-climatic.”

“Not every day brings the big game, Little one.”

“How about I wait out here until it comes back. If it ever does.”

“Yeah, you do that. Not sure, but I think I heard a kibble bag rustle. Let me know if you hear something.”

“You always pull that kibble thingy. All right, I’m coming with you.”

Wednesday Story Day – AKA – Hump Day

November 4, 2020November 3, 2020 ~ John W. Howell ~ 47 Comments

“Think we ought to get up?”
“It’s Wednesday. Give me a reason.”
“See you Friday.”

It is Wednesday Story Day time again, and last week, we learned where Carolyn is probably heading when she gets to France. We also learned that probably Cortez’s men won’t know where she is heading but could grab her during the three- and one-half hour drive between the Chunnel exit at Coquilles and Paris where she is headed. An idea came to Pricilla that if Somner could give up her French passport name, Carolyn could be grabbed while on the train to Paris. I see she is coming back into the room. Let’s get over there. Maybe she has a name.

“I have some bad news.”

“Somner, wouldn’t give you the name?”

“It’s worse than that. He died.”

“On no. There goes the last chance to locate my Carolyn.”

“There is a glimmer of hope.”

“What is that?”

“I just got off the phone with the FBI. After I explained the situation, one of their techies took it upon himself to locate the car Carolyn was riding in. He thinks he found it. With some high-resolution photos and facial rec software, he thinks they are in a blue Mercedes.”

“Is he sure?”

“Pretty sure. The important thing is we can have some folks at Coquilles detain the car and make sure. If it is her, then we will take her.”

“What if it isn’t?”

“They can check each car as it leaves. But the techie thinks he is most certain.”

“So, If it took a satellite and high res photos to locate her, what makes you think Cortez will be successful too?”

“He can do the same low-tech check at Coquilles as we will if the person in the blue Mercedes is not Carolyn.”

“So, it is a race to the finish.”

“In a matter of speaking, Mr. Popović.”

“I have a question.”

“Certainly, Mr. Dunfee.”

“Mr. Popović. Does the name Sandusky mean anything to you?”

“Um, yeah, my sister married a guy named Sandusky.”

“Is she still married to him?”

“Naw, he died of a heart attack ten years ago.”

“Never heard Cortez mention Sandusky?”

“I can’t remember.”

“How about the names Janis Rafferty or Ned Dixon?”

“Now, those names I’ve heard before.”

“Where?”

“Not sure. Might have been in one of the phone calls. I have heard of Alexis Rafferty, though. He worked for Cortez.”

“This is making me and countless others happy, Mr. Popović.”

“Of course, until my Carolyn is safe, I can’t give you any more information.”

“I understand. I don’t have any more questions. Thank you, Ms. Thomas.”

“I hope we will be able to shed some light on your case. In the meantime, we need to concentrate on Carolyn.”

Tuesday – Anything Possible – Kreative Kue # 287 by Keith Channing

November 3, 2020November 2, 2020 ~ John W. Howell ~ 56 Comments

In Keith’s words.

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

The photo.

“So then I said to Harry. How about we play another eighteen?”

“I can imagine what he said.”

“Yeah, the old duffer said his legs couldn’t handle it. I even suggested a cart.”

“Well, getting older is not the best thing.”

“Listen to these two, Gladis.”

“I know. You would think they were in their teens.”

“I can tell you Frank comes home after a round of golf, and you would think he just completed a marathon.”

“Perry does the same. Moan and groan for hours.”

“I’m glad we decided to take this river trip. I don’t think I could bear the fallout from some golf resort stay.”

“Oh. I’m with you. These two need to learn their limits.”

“So, Perry. When we reach the town, you want to go out for a round?”

“Sounds good, Frank, but I didn’t bring my clubs.”

“We can rent some.”

“Okay, then. Count me in.”

“Well, Gladis. Looks like we will be on nursing duty again.”

“Not me. I’m going to the spa for a nice message.”

“Oh my, that sounds good.”

“Come with me.”

“Um, I’m not sure I can stand having a pair of wings touch me.”

“I hear the gander is a real looker.”

“Gander?”

“Yup.”

“I love geese, don’t you?”

“They are cute alright, and their small little wings drive me crazy.”

“Count me in.”

“Perry and I are going to do a round of golf in town. Will you girls be okay?”

“Sure, Frank. We’ll be just fine. In good wings, as they say.”

Top Ten Things Not to Do at the Sistine Chapel Pubic Opening in 1512

November 2, 2020November 15, 2020 ~ John W. Howell ~ 69 Comments

This week marks the 508th anniversary of the opening of the Sistine Chapel to the public in 1512. Michelangelo, the greatest artist of the Italian Renaissance, was commissioned by Pope Julius II in 1508. After four years of hard work, the chapel was opened to the public. Certainly, we want to go there and see what that first day was like. Let’s not forget to take the list of things not to do so, heaven forbid, we do not make an error that causes a tear in the time continuum. Everyone, grab a list and jump in the Olds, and we’ll be off.

Top Ten Things Not to Do at the Opening of the Sistine Chapel in 1512

10 If you go, do not let Pope Julius II hear you call the building the cistern chapel. If you do, at best, he will think your Italian is horrible. At worst, he will take a ruler to your knuckles for such a faux pas. (The chapel was named after Pope Sixtus IV, who restored it between 1473 and 1481. It looks like Julius thinks you need more punishment, Meinrad. He’s heading your way with two big burley cardinals. We are not talking birds here.)

9 If you go, do not tell Tiny, the WWF champ, that he is blocking your view of the ceiling. If you do, at best, Tiny will think you are talking to someone else. At worst, Tiny will be offended that you had the nerve to tell him he is in the way. (You see, Meir, when Tiny gets offended and has skipped several court-ordered sessions at Narcissists Are Us, there’s trouble. He won’t blame himself for being in the way. He blames you for saying anything. Look like he is ready to practice his new body slam move. Guess who is the slamee?)

7 If you go, do not ask Michelangelo for his autograph. If you do, at best, he’ll pretend not to hear you. At worst, he will be forced to ask the guard to escort you out. (Michelangelo, who also sculpted David and The Pieta, only signed one work: the Pieta. Looks like the guards are coming for you, Melanthius. Maybe next time you’ll not ask.)

6 If you go, do not suggest that the skin tones on God’s arm need some attention. If you do, at best, Michelangelo will think you are kidding. At worse, after concentrating on God’s arm for a month, Michelango has reached his limit. (Don’t look now, Melbourne, but I think Michelangelo is arranging for you to go up and paint whatever you want. Oh, my mistake. He just wants to paint you. Not in a good way either)

5 If you go, do not ask Michelangelo about the cupid statue he carved for sale to Cardinal Raffaele Riario early in his career. If you do, at best, he will ignore you. At worst, he will think you are trying to blackmail him. (As the story goes, Melbyrne, Michelangelo carved a cupid and then made it to look older and sold it to the Cardinal as an antique. The Cardinal caught wind of the scam and demanded his money back. Of course, he was impressed with Michelangelo’s work and invited him to a meeting in Rome. Michelangelo eventually won a commission to carve the Pieta.)

4 If you go, do not mention that Michelangelo’s David is deteriorating faster than other marble statues of his day. If you do, at best, he will think you are joking since Davis is only eight years old. At worst, he will wonder where you got your information and want to have you arrested as a witch. (You should have kept your mouth shut, Meldrick. Not too many people know Michelangelo carved David out of a block of 40-year-old marble rejected by other artists, and he found it discarded. Here come the guys with the handcuffs. I think I would leave quickly.)

3 If you go, do not ask Pope Julius II for a review of Michelangelo’s work. If you do, at best, he’ll give you a “no comment.” At worst, you have to sit for some time listening to all the grievances. (The problem was, Melville Julius II had definite ideas of what he wanted Michelangelo to paint. Michelangelo had other ideas and demanded that he get his way. Julius II capitulated but was not happy. He may ask you to do the ceiling over. My advice. Don’t.)

2 If you go, do not ask Michelangelo if it was hard to paint on his back. If you do, at best, he will laugh at you. At worst, he will get out the drawings of the scaffold he built and take you through hours of engineering fine points. (Originally, X and an architect was hired to build the scaffold. He came up with an unworkable design, and the matter came before Julius II. He told Michelangelo to build what he thought he needed. The scaffold that Michelangelo built allowed for painting standing up. Wake up, Melvyn. Michelangelo is finished explaining.)

1 If you go, do not ask Michelangelo if he would like to do it all over again. If you do, at best, he will walk away. At worst, he will detail all that was accomplished and tell you to get lost (When complete, Melelaus the ceiling had over 300 figures of biblical characters. The area was over 130 feet (40 m) long by 43 feet (13 m) wide. This meant Michelangelo painted over 5000 square feet of space. I don’t think he wants to do it again even if you loan him your phone with Spotify)

Views of the Neighborhood – Another Deer Check

November 1, 2020October 31, 2020 ~ John W. Howell ~ 104 Comments

The hullabaloo over Halloween is over, and we all had plenty of rest since we could sleep an extra hour this morning. (yeah, right) Today lacking anything better to do, we are going out to check on the deer. The Producer says, “How boring.” I have to remind everyone that in the age of Rona, we can’t be too particular.

We are going to leave the bus parked and venture on foot. After all, a big yellow bus is not exactly conducive to deer watching. We do have a Good Humor bicycle vendor’s cart to haul our snacks and drinks. We are having hot Mexican chocolate with Kahlua shooters, shredded B-B-Q pork tacos, and toasted almond Good Humor bars. The Kingston Trio has agreed to walk along with us for entertainment.

So, put on your walking shoes, and let’s go.

The first thing we run into is this sign. I wonder what the parents tell the kids when they ask “What is rut season, Dad?”

The Producer captured this beautiful fellow. Man, she takes great photos.

Views of the Neighborhood

A couple of does taking an early morning nap in our neighbors front yard.

A buck having a snack.

Another young buck taking it easy.

Three does taking five.

Here is a buck in silhouette watching four men approach.

He decides they are suburbanites and no danger at all. He’s pretty sure one even drives a Volvo.

The sisterhood out for a stroll.

Another young buck searching for a doe. Maybe we should tell him she’s not there.

This doe is hard to see, but before yesterday, this was an overgrown lot. It looks like the clearing crew is making it ready for a new house. No more naps here.