Thursday – A Little Personal – Peggy Update

September 1, 2016August 31, 2016 ~ John W. Howell ~ 45 Comments

It has been a while since I have updated Peggy the Heron’s status. For those not familiar with Peggy, she is a Blue Heron and has one injured leg. None of the rescue folks have been able to catch her and so for the last couple of years, she is one of our neighbors. I am happy to report Peggy is dong well. She is still giving the sad limp to fishermen and collecting fish in the process. Here is a photo of her on the beach. Peggy on the beach

Another taken last December in the water. There is a fisherman off camera, and she is asking him for a sample. She can only use one leg to stand.

Here is a photo of her taken from our backyard. As you can imagine, she also enjoys the benefits of pond life. The photo is a little blurred because I tried to do a close up with my iPhone. My old man hands couldn’t hold the phone steady enough, but you can get the idea.

Peggy

Here is a better shot showing the pond and Peggy.

Peggy

So as you can see, Peggy has branched out from Gulf fishing to include pond fishing. She usually spends the mornings on the beach and afternoons in our yard. We are alway glad to see her. She looks great and is doing well.

Wednesday Story Day – AKA Hump Day

August 31, 2016August 30, 2016 ~ John W. Howell ~ 45 Comments

Funny College

It is Wednesday Story Day again and last week Mrs. Worthe put Ben in an impenetrable garage that seems to spell the end for Ben. Not that too many of us care that old Ben has the potential to take a walk over the rainbow bridge, but he his a character after all. We need to go back and see if there is any hope for the boy.
“Mom where is Ben?”
“I put him in the garage. He won’t be bothering us anymore.”
“That makes me feel sad. I liked Ben.”
“Yeah didn’t we all. He represents a risk to us Alexis.”
“Isn’t there a way to shut him up without having him die a slow death in your torture chamber.”
“I tried, honey. He has some relationship with that fleabag priest. If in fact he is a priest.”
“Just the same can’t we take him for a ride and do it quickly?”
“Too many messy ends, sweetheart. I would like to be humane, but we just don’t have that luxury.”
“So when we come back we’ll have to deal with the body.”
“Yes. Your dad is good with those kinds of clean up chores. He’ll take care of it.”
“At least I won’t have to deal with it. Okay, mommy, you know best. Wait.”
“What is it, honey?”
“Do you smell gasoline?”
“Oh, my God. That idiot must have found some gas. I told your father to be super careful and check to make sure there was none in the garage.”
“Ralph. Come in here.”
“Yes, darling what is it?”
“Did you check the garage for gasoline?”
“Of course. What do you think I am an idiot.”
“I have to wonder sometimes, my sweet. Did yo empty the lawn mower?”
“Yes.”
“The trimmer?”
“Yes.”
“The chainsaw?”
“Oops.”
“You didn’t empty the chainsaw?”
“I’m afraid it is worse than that. The chainsaw has a mixture, and I forgot the container as well.”
“How much is in the container?”
“A gallon I would say.”
“A gallon? That is enough to burn for a while.”
“What the hell is he going to burn. He will run out of air.”
“Except for the house side wall. That is standard construction. All he has to do is throw some gas on the wall and touch it off. He may die, but I can tell you the fire department will be here to find the body.”
“Okay, I get it. We need to get him out of there.”
“Are there any matches in the garage.”
“No, but there’s a propane torch.”
“You left a torch?”
“Not the gas container but the igniter can make a spark if he finds it.”
“We need to move fast.”

Tuesday – Anything Possible – Kreative Kue #92 by Keith Channing

August 30, 2016August 29, 2016 ~ John W. Howell ~ 32 Comments

So here is another photo prompt from Keith Channing. He explains what we are doing here. “Using this photo (below) as inspiration, write a short story, flash fiction, scene, poem; anything, really; and either put it (or a link to it) in a comment or email it to me at keithkreates@channing.fr 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 – pingbacks don’t work.

Go on. You know you want to. Let your creativity and imagination soar. I shall display the entries, with links to your own blog or web site, next Monday.”

The photo.

Kreative Kue #92

“Okay now try to relax and give us your name.”

“Um. My name is Silly.”

“Silly what?”

“Silly Goose.”

“Alright, Ms. Goose. What we need you to do is act natural and say the word AFLAC. Can you do that?”

“I-I think so.”

“Listen toots. This is no place for geese to ‘think’ anything. You are trying out for a major part in a commercial. It could mean a lot of money if you pass this audition.”

“I understand. Yes, I can say APLAC.”

“No, no, no. It’s ‘AFLAC,’ Say it.”

“It.”

“Ms. Goose. Are you trying to be funny? If so, we have other geese just waiting to try out. Look at that guy next in line. Hey, buster. No eating the lawn. It’s a prop. Man! I told my agent I didn’t want to cast this dog and look what I got.”

“I’m sorry I thought you said to say,’it'”

“Okay let’s take this a little slower. See that camera? When I say ‘action’ you are going to say ‘AFLAC.’ Got it?”

“I see the camera. When I hear ‘action,’ I say ‘AFLAC.’ I got it. I do have a question, though.”

“I could have guessed. What’s the question?”

“What’s my motivation?”

“Motivation?” What do you mean ‘motivation?”‘

“Why am I saying ‘APLAC?'”

“IT’S AFLAC. Where in the heck did this person come from anyway? Who brought her in here?”

“I did.”

“Oh, Mr. Big. I didn’t see you there.”

“Is there a problem with my pet goose?”

“No, sir. Everything is fine. We can dub the sound. Ready Ms. Goose? ‘ACTION.'”

“APLAC.”

“Thank you that’s a wrap. Very good Ms. Goose.”

Top Ten Things To Do at an Animal Adoption Day

August 29, 2016August 28, 2016 ~ John W. Howell ~ 24 Comments

As you may know, I normally do a Top Ten Things Not to Do on Mondays. Since last Friday was Dog Day and since my Lucy is a rescue I thought I would turn the tables a little. My wife helps out at Austin Boxer Rescue and was the technical consultant for this post. Here is the sign that she has on her car when making home inspection visits. (Yes there is a screening process for adoptive prospects)

Ten Things To Do at an Animal Adoption Day

10 If you go to an animal adoption day, understand that all the people with an animal are foster volunteers. They appreciate you being there and would like nothing more than to find a good forever home for their foster.

9 If you go to an animal adoption day, take the time to get to know the pet you might be interested in adopting. Looks are not everything and most important is the fit with your family.

8 If you go to an animal adoption day, do not be shy about asking the foster about the good and challenging traits of the pet you are thinking of adopting. The foster knows the pet as well as anyone.

7 If you go to an animal adoption day, do ask to take the pet for a walk. A walk is a good way to determine any behavior issues while on a leash.

6 If you go to an animal adoption day, do not feel you need to decide on an animal if you are not sure. The animal and the foster are both anxious to find a forever home and would rather not be chosen then to get into an unhappy situation.

5 If you go to an animal adoption day, do not expect the organization to hand you an animal without checking on suitability. The fit has to be right for both.

4 If you go to an animal adoption day, do offer to donate to the organization if you feel inclined. Many times organizations are understaffed and underfunded and can use all the help they can find.

3 If you go to an animal adoption day, do not feel bad if you don’t find a pet you can live with today. Most organizations have a number of pets that can be seen at other adoption days or with private arrangements.

2 If you go to an animal adoption day, do not expect the animal to be free. Most organizations provide the animal with vet care, immunizations, and sterilization. These services cost money and also when there is a re-homing fee, history shows the incidences of failure are much less.

1 If you go to an animal adoption day, remember if you can’t adopt volunteer. If you can’t volunteer, then donate. There are too many unwanted animals and not enough organization resources to help all.

Lucy says,” Thanks for reading my John’s post.”

Lucy

Sunday – Views of the Neighborhood

August 28, 2016September 15, 2020 ~ John W. Howell ~ 42 Comments

While out walking the dogs on Friday I was amazed by the way the sun played off the water. I took this shot and although it looks like it might be a rain storm coming it was not. These are clouds formed by the tropical moisture in the Gulf. If they do form rain clouds, they dump the rain further inland later in the day. This shot is at about 8:30 in the morning and this is looking North East.

This next photo is one I captured the same day only later. I took it because this freighter moving through the Corpus Christi Channel had to be the ugliest one I have seen for a while. Here is what I mean.

To the left is a ferry getting ready to make a crossing. This long view doesn’t give you the correct picture. Here is a closer look.

Check this thing out. I also took a shot of a ferry starting across the channel after the freighter passed. (The freighter is still ugly)

Finally, to redeem myself, I took a shot toward the entrance of the channel where it meets the Gulf. (This is where the freighter entered.) I will confess I normally have my producer with me on these shoots and this time I was running solo. My solo act may be the last time I try that maneuver.

If you look close, you can see a guy fishing off the sea wall. Next week will be better.

Stream of Consciousness Saturday – Prompt “Your/You’re/Yore”

August 27, 2016August 26, 2016 ~ John W. Howell ~ 26 Comments

SOCS

It is Saturday Stream of Consciousness time again. This week’s prompt is Your/You’re/Yore. Linda Hill says we can use all or just one. She has ordered us participants, to enjoy so that I will. If you want to know more about this prompt visit Linda at https://lindaghill.com/2016/08/26/the-friday-reminder-and-prompt-for-socs-august-2716/

“Say again.”

“Your, you’re, yore.”

“Are you having a brain freeze or is this talk like a pirate day?”

“No. I’m telling you the prompt for this week’s Stream of Consciousness Saturday.”

“What? Never heard of that stream unconscious Saturday. I will inform you that most of my Saturday’s are unconscious.”

“It is consciousness not unconscious.”

“Who cares anyway. So we have too much to drink on Friday. Conscious, unconscious. What’s the difference?”

“You are slow sometimes. I was trying to tell you about this week’s prompt.”

“Now there’s something I know about.”

“Know about what?”

“Prompt.”

“What about prompt? Man, you are almost on my last nerve.”

“Never late. That’s me.”

“I could have predicted something like that from you.”

“Why? I think being late is a bad habit. Look at me. I believe promptness is next to godliness.”

“Yeah, I’m sure you do. To the point, though. Are you going to help me with these words?”

“Help you do what?”

“Use them in a story.”

“Didn’t you just do that very thing?”

“This doesn’t count. You being an idiot doesn’t count. I mean a real story.”

“Okay. Ahem. Once upon a time there were two guys talking. One came out with your, you’re and yore and wanted the other to help him making up a story. They both talked for a while when it became clear that it was time to go and get a beer. The one who the other thinks is so dumb spoke. ‘Why don’t we go to your bar and have a drink since you’re so uptight. Then we can relax and tell tall tales of yore while we get drunk.’ There you have your story.”

“The bar part is a good idea. Not sure the prompt use will fly.”

“Trust me. If we go now, we won’t be too late for the free appetizers.”

“Prompt right?”

“Yup.”

Friday JohnKU – AKA – TGIF

August 26, 2016August 23, 2016 ~ John W. Howell ~ 38 Comments

Funny Friday

Another work week has flown by quickly. At least I hope it has flown by for you. I can’t explain it but this week has been the fastest. A lot to do in the time available. That always makes the time fly by so fast. Today’s JohnKu talks about the valuable commodity of time.

A deadline is set,

The time until then goes fast. . .

Wishing there was more.

Thursday – A Little Personal – Our Justice Update

August 25, 2016August 23, 2016 ~ John W. Howell ~ 31 Comments

Our Justice

All looks good for the launch of Our Justice the third book in the John J. Cannon Trilogy. The book has been proofed for the last time and ready to go. I will be launching the e-book edition first with a pre-order period. I expect the launch announcement will be on Tuesday, September 6th. The preorder period will run to September 23rd and on that day the paper edition will be launched as well.

The volunteer information will go out on Friday the 2nd but I don’t expect any support until after the sixth.

Thanks in advance for all your help.

Wednesday Story Day – AKA Hump Day

August 24, 2016August 22, 2016 ~ John W. Howell ~ 32 Comments

Sad Cat

It is Wednesday Story Time again. Last week we left Ben being invited by Trudy to go into the garage to fetch a gift that she has for him. He is all excited since he believes she has a car in the garage that will be his. Of course, the rest of the world (that’s us) thinks Trudy has some tricks up her sleeve. We can’t wait any longer (although we may want to wait) and should go and see what it is in the garage.
“I’m going to wait until you get back before I go into the garage.”
“Don’t be silly. You go. It’s your gift. Enjoy.”
“I want you to share it with me.”
“Oh, for heaven’s sake. You’re like a child. Okay, let’s open the door together.”
“One, two, three. I can’t see anything?”
“Go in and take a look.”
“Okay. Hey, Trudy. You slammed the door. Open it.”
“I got you now you little twerp.”
“Trudy what are you doing?”
“I’ve got you in the garage. That’s what.’
“But why?”
“Because you need to stay in there until we get to the Cayman’s.”
“We? Who’s we?”
“Mr. Worthe, Alexis, and me.”
“Aw come on. You think this garage is going to hold me?”
“Oh yes, I do. Try to open the door.”
“There is a door opener button right here. All I have to do is push it.”
“Right Ben. Go ahead.”
“Hmmm. Doesn’t work.”
“Go try to lift the garage door.”
“Oof. The door won’t budge.”
“Maybe in ten years it will. It is sealed shut.”
“I’ll just bust through the wall.”
“Good idea little man. Take that shovel and punch a hole.”
“Don’t think I won’t. Ow!”
“What’s the matter King Kong?”
“The shovel bounced off.”
“That is because the walls are twelve inches of concrete.Try this door.”
“AHHHH what the hell?”
“Pretty nice jolt huh Ben. The door is wired. If you touch it again, you’ll take a 50,000 volt slap. Even if you get to the door, it is all metal, and you’ll never get through. Also, no one can hear you in there.”
“Sounds like the door is pretty thin. I can hear you fine.”
“I’m talking through an intercom. Go ahead give us a yell I’ll turn it off. What’s that Ben? Did you say anything? Ha ha ha. I have it on again?”
“Okay, Trudy. What do I have to do to get out of here?”
“That’s just it Ben. I would be so grateful if you would die quickly, so I don’t have to think of you suffering from dehydration. I believe that it will take a couple of weeks without water. Look around Ben there’s no water in there.”
“Trudy please?”
“Sorry Ben. I’m turning off the intercom and the lights. Don’t fight too hard.”

Tuesday Anything Possible – Kreative Kue #91 by Keith Channing

August 23, 2016August 22, 2016 ~ John W. Howell ~ 34 Comments

Here are Keith’s words explaining what is going on here. “Using this photo (below) as inspiration, write a short story, flash fiction, scene, poem; anything, really; and either put it (or a link to it) in a comment or email it to me at keithkreates@channing.fr 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 – pingbacks don’t work.

Go on. You know you want to. Let your creativity and imagination soar. I shall display the entries, with links to your own blog or web site, next Monday.”

Here is the photo.

Vacation

“So passengers, we are coming up on one of the bonus extras in your all-inclusive tour package. See that camera. My brother will be taking a picture of our cruise yacht, and you’ll all get a complimentary photo as a souvenir. Now smile.”

“My God, Ralph. I’m not sure I can smile while trying to hold down that fish stew breakfast.”

“Just a little more time darlin’ and this trip will be over.”

“How did we ever get booked on this tub?”

“Well remember we missed our ship and had to take the next thing to catch up.”

“The next thing is right. How much more time do we have on this nightmare?”

“We are coming into port now. See there is our ocean liner docked up ahead.”

“Oh, thank God. I don’t think I can stay in these clothes any longer. Why did we have to put on costumes again?”

“So those nice men in the patrol boat wouldn’t know we were in the country illegally.”

“Illegally? What does that mean?”

“Well, we never got a visa for this country. We are supposed to be on the ship and not get off.”

“So we could be arrested?”

“Yes, but these nice people offered to hide us until we reach the ship.”