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.
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.
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.
“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.
“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.”
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.”
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.)
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.
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.
A signpost up ahead indicating the plant sale.
A far away shot of the pop-up (Flash) plant sale being held in the parking lot of an office building.
A little closer view of the rules. I think we all know the COVID-19 rules.
A shot of succulents.
A type of marigold.
Terrific looking annuals.
A collection of hanging baskets.
A closer look at a hanging basket.
Another hanging basket.
Collection of Bougainvilla.
How to take care of them.
Veggy plants.
A view of the selling space.
The home away from home Airstream where the proprietor’s stay.
Any questions call 1-800-555-2000 for Linda Hill has to explain week’s prompt. Better yet, we have her in person. Here’s Linda. 🎶 Ta-da dee da da. Ta ta ta daaaaa.🎶
Thank ya, thank ya, thank ya very much. Here is the prompt.
“Your Friday prompt for Stream of Consciousness Saturday is “directions.” Find a household cleaner/bottle of shampoo/something in the freezer/anything you can find with instructions on it, then copy down a single direction (just one) on how to use/cook/etc. your chosen thing, and make it the first line or word of your post. Then keep writing whatever comes out. Have fun!”
Hoo Wee, this will be fun. Thanks, Linda. Let’s give her a round of applause in appreciation, folks. *Cheer, clap, clap, clap, whistle, stomp, clap.*
“I think you are right Little One. It is Friday.” “Oh, Goodie.”
Another Friday has arrived, and we are not too sure what that means anymore. Well, for one thing, it means that whatever annoyance we had to go through with our work at home situation will be over in about eight hours. It also means that this is the first day of a new month. That always gives us hope for a new beginning.
Here in Texas, the governor has opened up individual businesses. He has set a limit of 25% occupancy, which means most restaurants will not open due to the high cost of start-up versus the return. Most will still offer carry out and delivery.
Also, the governor indicated that the take out and mixed drink accommodation may become permanent. Once that cat is out of the bag, it is tough to get it back in. On a survey here (very unofficial) by the local TV station, 75% of those polled responded that they had taken advantage of the take-home or delivery of mixed drinks. I guess this could cut down on the drinking and driving at least.
I have to share an agent rejection that I had this week. I submitted my material last Sunday evening at about 5:30 PM. This was done on the agency form and included a query letter, a bio, and the first five pages of the manuscript. I got an answer back at 8:30 PM. So on a Sunday, the agent was standing by the computer to “carefully evaluate” my submission. You gotta say that is one dedicated agent. Hahaha.
Today’s John Ku talks about continuing with your goals, no matter the obstacles like automated submission forms with automated responses. I hope you have a great weekend.
