Tuesday – Anything Possible – Creative Kue #211 by Keith Channing

March 19, 2019March 18, 2019 ~ John W. Howell ~ 39 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.

“What’s that guy doing?”

“I hear tell humans have this thing that captures your soul.”

“Oh, come on. No one can capture a soul.”

“I’m just saying.”

“You didn’t answer my question. What’s he doing?”

“See that eye that he has brought up to his face?”

“The one with Minolta written on it?”

“That’s the one.”

“What is he doing?”

“Man. I got the question. I’m not sure I have the answer. Quit asking already.”

“Okay, then do you think he will hurt us?”

“Another unknown to me, but I don’t think we shouldn’t take any chances.”

“Think we out to spring out of here?”

“You’ve been hanging around those Springboks again, haven’t you?”

“No matter. What should we do?”

“I say we charge. There are three of us and only one of him.”

“When’s the last time you charged anything?”

“Yeah, big talk coming from a turn tail.”

“You two make me sick. Are we going to stand her looking like a 70’s rock group caught by the paparazzi?”

“I say we saunter off into the brush.”

“The brush gives me a rash. I’m not doing that.”

“Do you think a shot of our rear would be enough to scare him away?”

“Worth a try.”

“On three we’ll turn around.”

“What I like about you, Leroy is you use the KISS method of problem-solving.”

“KISS? What’s that?”

“Keep It Simple Stupid.”

“Who you calling stupid.”

“Shut up Harry. No one was talking to you.”

“I can beat your butt you know.”

“Stop fellas. We need to turn. One, Two—”

“Hold it. He’s walking away.”

“Look at that. Just the mention of our rear and he turns tail.”

“Ha ha ha. The power of the rump. Who wants to get lunch?”

“I hear there are some wildflowers at the waterhole.”

“Let’s go. I’m famished.”

“You know we could have taken that guy.”

“Hush, Berry. It’s over.”

Views of the Neighborhood – Lakeway Texas –

March 17, 2019March 16, 2019 ~ John W. Howell ~ 68 Comments

Happy St. Patrick’s Day. This is the first Views of the Neighborhood from our new home. Today we are going a couple of blocks away to visit a park that celebrates service. This is not a place of loss but of recognition. It is here that the men and women from Lakeway who served in the military are honored.

The central arch lets visitors know what to expect inside.

The story of the Spirit of Freedom Monument

The spirit of Freedom Monument was originally erected to honor World War II veterans.

The Koran War was added.

The Vietnam War

Gulf War, Afghanistan, Iraq, and El Salvador

Gulf, Iraq, Afghanistan, and Panama

Another view of the whole setting.

On the other side of the arch is a statement of truth.

The well from the original ranch house established on this spot. Lakeway was once a ranch.

One view of the original ranch house. The house is made out of stone.

The entrance to the ranch house

The Heritage Center filled with information about Lakeway

The Heritage Park sign. The monument is in the background

A reminder that no matter how cute, deer are better off not being fed. Lucy and Twiggy better obey the little sign as well. I hope you enjoyed the first outing in Lakeway.

Stream of Consciousness Saturday – Prompt – “Soul/Sole”

March 16, 2019March 15, 2019 ~ John W. Howell ~ 53 Comments

It is Stream of Conscious Saturday time again. This weeks prompt is “soul/sole.” To quote Linda Hill. “Use one, use both, use ’em any way you like. Enjoy!” If you would like to participate, visit Linda’s blog and read how easy it is to get carried away and enjoy. Here is a link. https://lindaghill.com/2019/03/15/the-friday-reminder-and-prompt-for-socs-march-16-19/

“Bless my soul what is wrong with me?”

“Huh?”

“I’m itchy as a man on a fuzzy tree.”

“Okay, what’s up?”

“I’ve been listening to some rock.”

“Oh, I get it. Elvis and “All Shook Up.”

“Well, that was one of the songs.”

“But one you found worthy of quoting.”

“I guess so.”

“How about some others?”

“Yeah, Soul Man by Sam and Dave.”

“Good one.”

“Soul and Inspiration by the Righteous Brothers.”

“One of my favorites.”

“Stoned Soul Picnic by the 5th Dimension.”

“I could never understand what stoned soul was.”

“A little Soul by Wilson Pickett.”

“I get the idea. You want anything from the store?”

“All About Soul by Billy Joel.”

“Let’s transition away from soul and think store.”

“American Soul by U2.”

“Alright. I’m leaving.”

“For the store?”

“Yes, for the store.”

“Could you pick up a fillet of sole?”

“Why am I not surprised?”

“Shoes.”

“Shoes?”

“Could you take them to the shoe repair?”

“Let me guess. They need new soles.”

“Just one sole.”

“Shoot me in the face.”

Friday JohnKu – AKA – TGIF

March 15, 2019March 14, 2019 ~ John W. Howell ~ 50 Comments

Another Friday and a very busy week. After several days of concerted activity, all the boxes have been unpacked and homes found for the contents. Maybe the homes won’t be permanent but at least the stuff is stashed somewhere. I am very happy to have both cars in the garage. Now, don’t ask me where to find something?

Moving is up there with the big life changes that are stressful. We seem to be over the worst part. There’s still the refrigerator, Washer, dryer, living room, dining room, office, and three bedrooms to be delivered. The good news is we are no longer on an air mattress. The box springs and mattress are on the floor. The actual bed looks about six weeks off.

Still and all it feels like home. Today’s JohnKu talks about what makes a home. I hope you have a beautiful weekend

It is not the place,

Nor is it the good weather. . .

Home is where love lives.

Thursday – Anything Possible – Twiggy and Lucy Have a Backyard

March 14, 2019March 13, 2019 ~ John W. Howell ~ 88 Comments

“Hey, Lucy. Look at this weird screen thingy.”

“Yeah, The Boss put that up so we could go out without a leash.”

“Why’s that?”

“This yard has no fence, and he thought you and I would like to roam a little without being constrained by a leash.”

“Boy, I get that. What are those little things o the ground?”

“I heard The Boss say it was pea gravel. He is not too happy with the landscaping.”

“Gosh. I think it’s swell. These little bushes are cute, and this black stuff is delicious.”

“That’s mulch, and I heard The Boss is going to get rid of it. He doesn’t want you chewing on those pieces.”

“Well let me tell you they are tasty.”

“Don’t let him catch you. I think you are working on a pants warming.”

“Yeah, I suppose it is foolish. I don’t swallow it though.”

“You are probably poisoning yourself.”

“Okay, I’m done. Want to play tag?”

“Yes but watch out for the stones and stuff.”

“I see what you mean. This yard is a little rougher than at the beach.”

“It’s a new house. This isn’t the final yard. Just be careful.”

“I’m not going to run over these things.”

“Make sure you don’t.”

“You have to admit, Twiggy. This yard sure smells different.”

“I’ll say. Look at the purple flowers.”

“Here’s the other screen, Twiggy.”

“I hear we are getting a fence.”

“Yes, it is going all the way around. What are you doing over there?”

“Taking in the fresh air is all.”

“You better leave that stuff alone. You have no idea how it may affect you.”

“It’ll be okay, Lucy.”

“TWIGGY. DROP THAT!!!!!”

“Geez, Dad. You scared me.”

Wednesday Story Day – AKA – Hump Day

March 13, 2019March 12, 2019 ~ John W. Howell ~ 43 Comments

“Come on Girls. Time to go.”
“It is still Wednesday, Right?”
“Yup.”
“Let’s try again Friday.”

It is Wednesday Story Day again, and last week we learned from Janice Rafferty that her husband was in South Lake Tahoe for a meeting with his boss Cortez. We also learned he was not much of a drinker. This came as a little surprise since Cortez did not mention anything about even being in South Lake Tahoe at the time of Rafferty’s demise. Let’s get back to the Rafferty house and see if there is anything else Mrs. Rafferty will tell us about her husband or this weird relationship with Cortez.

“So, Mr. Rafferty was meeting with Cortez. Do you know the nature of the meeting?”

“Again, I must interrupt.”

“Yes, Evon?”

“Mrs. Rafferty has no connection to Cortez so why would she know anything about a meeting between her husband and him?”

“You just said the magic word, ‘husband,’ Evon.”

“I don’t get what you mean.”

“When I traveled, I would call home to find out how things were going in my absence.”

“So?”

“My wife would ask how my day went, and I would unload all the situations of the day.”

“You are suggesting that Mr. Rafferty called home and told his wife what was going on at the meetings?”

“Exactly.”

“Janice?”

“Yes, Evon.”

“You don’t have to say anything about those meetings.”

“I understand Evon, but Alexis did let me know about them.”

“Detective, could you excuse us for a minute?”

“Sure, Evon. Come on Andrew we can step outside.”

“Close the door Andrew and come closer.”

“What’s up chief.”

“Don’t call me chief. The way you say chief it sounds like an insult.”

“Oh sorry, your highness.”

“Andrew.”

“What?”

“Focus. There is something going on with the lawyer being here and all. I think Mrs. Rafferty is up to her eyebrows in this thing and that is why she called in Evon.”

“I have the same feeling, Larry.”

“So how do we get to the bottom of what she knows?”

“You could call her a person of interest and get the DA to stand behind you.”

“She is already lawyered up. He will sit these and nix every question.”

“How about we just bide our time and see what the lawyer has figured out in terms of letting us know some information. I would also ask about the financial end of this situation.’

“What do you mean?”

“How come Mr. Rafferty was so well paid for his engineering services?”

“I think that would be a pretty big toe to step on, don’t you?”

“You may be right. I don’t think it would hurt to give it a try.”

“I guess I agree.”

“Gentlemen?”

“Yes, Evon.”

“Mrs. Rafferty is ready to continue. Follow me.”

“Thank you for continuing the conversation, Janice.”

“My pleasure detective. Please have a seat.”

“Thank you. Before our little break, you mentioned you were aware of what went on during the meetings.”

“Yes, I did. In fact, Alexis was complaining about Mr. Cortez’s attitude during them.”

“Attitude? How so?”

“He said Cortez was getting very upset with my husband’s unwillingness to falsify some test results for a machine that Cortez had bought.”

“Falsify? How?”

“Cortez wanted him to attest that the machine didn’t work.”

“Didn’t work?”

“Yes. My husband said the machine worked perfectly and refused.”

“I see. Do you think Cortez had anything to do with the accident?”

“That question is one my client will not answer, detective.”

“It’s okay Evon.”

“No, it isn’t Janice. You have no idea how trustworthy these two so-called public servants are. They could be on Cortez’s payroll. You don’t need anyone to believe you know any information at all about Cortez.”

“So, this is why you are here, Evon. To protect Mrs. Rafferty.”

“You have no idea about Cortez detective. Mrs. Rafferty does not need to be brought into a situation that could prove deadly.”

“How can we help?”

“Get Cortez behind bars.”

Tuesday – Anything Possible – Kreative Kue #210 by Keith Channing

March 12, 2019March 11, 2019 ~ John W. Howell ~ 48 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.

“Now my son. It is time you learned the ways of the sea.”

“Ways of the sea? What do you mean Papa?”

“Soon you will be a man and the duty of providing for your family will fall to you.”

“I don’t have a family except for you, Mama, and sister.”

“There will be a time when you will take a spouse, my son.”

“That is a long way off I hope.”

“Yet that time will come. And then you will have children.”

“Wait, Papa. I don’t want to rush into anything.”

“Just so you are prepared to be able to provide for them it is time we begin your lessons of the sea.”

“Can we hurry. I have a baseball game this afternoon.”

“The first lesson is very brief, my son.”

“Are you sure we need to begin this future life thingy now?”

“The mysteries of the sea will take years to learn. There is no time like the present to begin.”

“Very well, Papa. I will try to do my best. What is the first lesson?”

“Now you make me very proud, my son. My heart is bursting with my love for you.”

“Thank you, Papa. What do I need to know first?”

“See the water, my son. It is filled with millions of fishes and other good things to eat. If you know its ways, you can live a fine life from its bounty.”

“I love to eat fish, Papa.”

“So here is the first thing you need to know.”

“You have my attention.”

“Take this, my son.”

“Your phone Papa?”

“Yes. Dial 210-555-5555.”

“Okay now what?”

“Tell them this is a pickup for four orders of the deep-fried fish and chips with cole slaw.”

Ten Things Not to Do at the First Telephone Call in 1876

March 11, 2019March 7, 2021 ~ John W. Howell ~ 44 Comments

This post continues the Top Ten Things Not to Do with a historical background. Yesterday marked the anniversary of the first telephone call made by Alexander Graham Bell in 1876. He famously said, “Watson, come here. I need you” to his assistant Thomas Watson. If you happen to have a time machine and can get there, take this list and maybe you can stay out of trouble.

10 If you are at the first phone call, do not talk and laugh while Alexander is on the phone. If you do, at best you will be sushed. At worst, you will be sent to your room without dinner. (Why is it when someone gets on the phone you feel ignored, Gunner. Don’t worry the call only took two seconds.)

9 If you are at the first phone call, do not cut in the waiting line to make a call in front of Tiny the WWF champ. If you do, at best Tiny will ask you to leave. At worst, Tiny who just finished his assertive class will palm your head as if it were a basketball. (You know what will come next, Garfield. It’s that melon squeeze thing he made famous at the circus.)

8 If you are at the first phone call, do not ask Alexander if he has thought of Caller ID. If you do, at best he will give you a funny look. At worst, he will ask you to explain how it works. (Go ahead, Gifford. Tell Alexander Graham Bell exactly how Caller ID functions. Cat got your tongue?)

7 If you are at the first phone call, do not try to talk your way into an operator’s job. If you do, at best you will be ignored. At worst, Tom Watson will think you are taking his role. (Looks like old Tom has a pretty mean uppercut, Gregorie. Best not fool with him.)

6 If you are at the first phone call, do not try to call Alexander collect. If you do, at best he will think it’s a joke. At worst, he will block your number. (Now look what you’ve done Galin. Your phone number has been blocked for all eternity, and you have probably caused a rip in the time continuum.)

5 If you are at the first phone call, do not tell Alexander that he has won an all expense paid cruise. If you do, at best he will hang up. At worst, he will force you to make good on the offer. (So much for starting the first phone scam, Granger.)

4 If you are at the first phone call, do not try to phone prank, Alexander. If you do, at best he won’t bite. At worst, he knows where you live and has friends on the police force. (So much for the Prince Albert in a can joke, Gaagii. He was on to you immediately when he realized Prince Albert tobacco wasn’t available yet.) For the youthful readers, Prince Albert tobacco came in a can. The joke was to call a tobacco shop and ask, “Do you have Prince Albert in a can?” If the answer is, “Yes,” then the jokester would say, “Please let the poor fellow out.” Then the jokester and his buddies would fall about the place laughing.)

3 If you are at the first phone call, do not answer a call from Alexander on a speakerphone. If you do, at best he might disconnect. At worst, he will use his air horn to clear the line. (How is that hearing test coming along, Gabie. That horn had some decibel range huh?)

2 If you are at the first phone call, do not shout into the receiver. If you do, at best no one will be there. At worst the caller will think you are hard of hearing and You’ll end up in a shouting match. (That was a fun call, Gadi. Now go get a Ricola for that hoarse throat.)

1 If you are at the first phone call, do not think Alexander Graham Bell is a telemarketer. If you do, at best you won’t hang up. At worst, you will disconnect from a very historic call. (You could have been written into history, Gaillard. Instead, you are being cursed by Alex himself.)

Views of the Neighborhood – Book Fair in Killeen Texas

March 10, 2019March 9, 2019 ~ John W. Howell ~ 71 Comments

I was at a book fair in Killeen Texas yesterday sponsored by Texas Authors. The Views of the Neighborhood this week will hopefully give you a taste of what went on.

Here is the entrance to the fair.

The main desk

A lot of authors are in attendance

Here is a shot of my booth.

More authors

I was happy to finally meet Jan Sykes. Here we are at her booth.

Gwen Plano was visiting Killeen and stopped by. This was the first time we met in person.

I call this “Thorn Between Two Roses.” It was so much fun seeing Jan and Gwen.

I hope you enjoyed the brief tour of the Killeen Book Fair.

Stream of Consciousness Saturday – Prompt “Abash/ A Bash/Bash

March 9, 2019March 8, 2019 ~ John W. Howell ~ 31 Comments

Gad that headline took some figuring out. This is Stream of Consciousness Saturday and this weeks prompt is “abash/a bash/bash.” Linda Hill further orders to use “abash,” or “bash” as a noun or a verb. Then she offered up bonus points if we manage all three. Her final order, “Have fun!” (Easy for her to say).