Views of the Neighborhood – Fun Walk Run for Animals

March 13, 2022March 12, 2022 ~ John W. Howell ~ 82 Comments

A couple of weeks ago, I indicated that a fun walk/run was supposed to take place but was canceled due to the weather. Well, last weekend the event took place, and due to the magic of photography, we can attend today.

Our event is catered by Bouldin Creek Cafe in Austin. Because of many requests, our menu today has vegan options. Our entertainment today is a look back to Janis Joplin.

Menu.

BREAKFAST PLATES TOFU SCRAMBLE
OR PASTURE RAISED EGGS

Predictable Breakfast
eggs or tofu served with a scratch-made herbed potato hash cake (GF) & choice of toast sub hash for granola or spring greens w/citrus vinaigrette

El Tipico
scrambled eggs or tofu, scratch-made herbed potato hash cake (GF), diced local tomatoes, shredded lettuce, house salsa & choice of tortillas

El Maximo same as above served with beans, avocado & cheddar-jack, or vegan cheddar

Oven Cake Breakfast (contains flour) • grilled house-made vegan blueberry cornbread served with two eggs or tofu & real maple syrup, dairy butter, or vegan butter

Garden Breakfast (GF)
eggs or tofu, with sliced local tomatoes & steamed organic baby spinach & lemon

add tortillas or toast

Zucchini & Cheese Migas •
eggs or tofu scrambled with a pepper purée, tortilla chips, zucchini, onion, spices & cheddar-jack or vegan cheddar. served with house salsa, choice of tortillas & choice of beans or fruit

The Renedict •
tofu bacon, organic baby spinach, sliced local tomatoes, topped with over-medium eggs or tofu scramble on an open-faced grilled ciabatta with vegan hollandaise sauce (contains flour) & scallions

Breakfast Scramwich
organic spinach & chili flake folded in eggs or tofu scramble. topped with basil aioli, local tomato & cheddar-jack, or vegan cheddar on toasted sourdough.

So jump on the bus.

There’s a signpost up ahead. Looks like we are entering the Fun, Run Zone.

We are here for sure. Here is the flyer announcing the event. (date change and all)

The registration and some walk runners are getting ready.

So we sign up and get a T-shirt and a Bud Light. (Just kidding)

Everyone’s getting to know each other.

More registrations and a view of the lake.

Time for a chat.

The start time is close, but we will go back to the bus and relax with food and entertainment. I hope you all have a wonderful week. Now here is one of my all-time favorite singers, Janis Joplin

Stream of Consciousness Saturday – Prompt – “Trip.”

March 12, 2022March 18, 2022 ~ John W. Howell ~ 65 Comments

A leisurely Saturday is usually de rigor. There is no trip to the store purposely planned for the day. Coffee brewing and the memory of a carrot chomping bunny way in the past ensure the day’s outlook looks hopeful. With cup in hand and a check of the Ring, camera gives me the assurance that the day will go as expected. Several sips into the hot steaming stuff and an alert hits my phone. “An object has been detected on the front porch.” This is very strange since most alerts call for a person detected.

Wishing and hoping the so-called object is not a cartoon character, the unlock the front door series. Three minutes later, facing me on the porch is Pepe Le Pew holding what appears to be a black cat in advanced stages of panic. Her eyes beg for help as Pepe continues to shower her with kisses.

I smile. “How may I help you?”

Pepe takes his eyes off the cat and looks at me. “Uh-huh, monsieur. Thees lovely creature, and I have a message from Linda Hill. Can you reach into my back pocket and get it?” The cat made every effort to get away, but Pepe’s hug was secure.

The message is indeed sticking out of Pepe’s pocket. A quick snatch, and it is mine. Meanwhile, the cat manages to slip out of Pepe’s hold and makes a break for the woods. Pepe takes off after her leaving me to open the message.

Your Friday prompt for Stream of Consciousness Saturday is “trip.” Use it any way you’d like. Have fun! This is all it read.

If you want to have fun, visit Linda’s blog and read how easy it is. Here is the link.

/https://lindaghill.com/2022/03/11/the-friday-reminder-and-prompt-for-socs-march-12-2022/

“I don’t get these cartoon characters.”

“What’s not to get?”

“I mean, as long as you are doing these pitiful intros, why not do something exciting.”

“Like what?”

“A trip to outer space or out west even. Anything but these one-dimensional cartoons.”

“Oh, stop. Weren’t you ever a kid?”

“Yeah, but I grew up.”

“Maybe you had a bad experience with cartoons.”

“No. I’m older and have given over to older things.”

“Like what?”

“Er. Movies and drama.”

“Okay. Do you ever get a laugh?”

“With comedies, yes.”

“Adult comedies?”

“I suppose.”

“Did you ever really take a look at the themes in the Warner Brothers cartoons?”

“Well, no.”

“You should cause most are adult themes. Take Pepe, for instance.”

“Okay.”

“The poor cat had some paint spilled on her, and Pepe mistakes her for a skunk.”

“Yeah, so?”

“He falls hard for her, but in her case, not so much.”

“I get that.”

“So the story. Boy meets girl and falls in love. Girl not interested. How many times has this been a theme in your world?”

“Hey. Let’s not get personal. You mean in my entertainment world?”

“Yes.”

“Okay, I see what you are saying. Why don’t you have a picture of the character at least?”

“Cause I think the reader knows exactly what that picture will look like and no need.”

“Still.”

“Besides, the pictures are copyrighted and require a royalty.”

“The real reason comes to light.”

“Maybe. I know something that is royalty-free.”

“I hope it is barley pop.”

“Yup. You buy it, and I drink it.”

“A trip to the pup is next.”

“Lead the way.”

Friday John Ku – AKA- TGIF – Fri-Yay/Good News

March 11, 2022March 10, 2022 ~ John W. Howell ~ 72 Comments

Here is today’s good news story courtesy of My Modern Met. Here is the story in its entirety

NFL Player Surprises 11-Year-Old Fan by Escorting Her to a Daddy-Daughter Dance After Her Dad’s Death

By Arnesia Young on February 14, 2022

Father-daughter dances are special occasions that many young girls eagerly look forward to. And many go on to look back on those nights with cherished memories as they grow older. But for 11-year-old Audrey Soape, who unexpectedly lost both her father and grandfather in 2021, tragedy had soured what would normally be a lovely evening. Nevertheless, when her church announced the upcoming event, the grieving tween’s mom Holly Soape took matters into her own hands. She was determined to find a way her daughter could still attend the dance and have a wonderful time in spite of the heartbreak of losing her father.

The Texas mom took a leap a leap of faith and reached out to Audrey’s favorite football player, Philadelphia Eagles free safety Anthony Harris, to see if he would escort her daughter to the daddy-daughter dance. And, to her surprise, the famous NFL football player said yes. “I just asked if he would be willing to come,” Soape explains. “And he said, ‘Not only will I come, but I want to make sure she feels like a princess.’”

Now that it’s all said and done, there’s absolutely no doubt that the kind-hearted athlete did just that. In addition to flying into town to be Audrey’s date for the evening, Harris also arranged a professional stylist to do her hair and makeup, scheduled a car to drive her to the appointments and even made sure she got the dress of her dreams. Finally, when the time came, he arrived on her doorstep with a corsage in hand to escort the 11-year-old to the father-daughter dance.

The Soapes were absolutely touched by the NFL player’s selfless gesture, especially after such a tough year. And to make the night that much more special, Harris even took the time to meet Audrey’s younger brother, too. Still, like any other preteen, the young girl admitted that although she was excited, she was also a bit anxious to have such a famous date. “I was very nervous because I didn’t know what I was going to say,” Audrey shared when asked about the evening. “At first, it was kind of awkward because we weren’t talking yet…But then he kind of came up and started talking to me.”

Since the news of Harris’ generosity got out, the story has gone viral all over the internet. But rather than soaking in all the praise, the star athlete has remained humble, saying that he was “just trying to be a human” and show some support for their family during this difficult time. “You gotta cherish these moments,” Harris adds. “You never know how long we have here on this Earth. So, the people that you care about and you love, show support for them.”

For Audrey and her family, the compassion and support Harris showed them without even really knowing them truly meant the world. And in the end, he gave them a night they’ll never forget. “We would all do anything for our kids when we see them suffering,” says Soape. “To know that there are people out there who will be there for your kids and for you, it’s really encouraging. And it sort of turned this horrible tragedy into this triumphant moment.”

The good news here is that no matter how much fame Anthony Harris achieves, this was his finest hour. Today’s John Ku talks about giving.

Reaching those in need,

Is the greatest of honors . . .

Which defines your grace.

Thursday – A Little Personal – Honoring Sally G. Cronin @scg58

March 10, 2022March 9, 2022 ~ John W. Howell ~ 177 Comments

Today is the International Day of Awesomeness. And it allows us to shine the spotlight on a truly remarkable person Sally Cronin.

Sally’s place is a hangout for indie authors. One visit there, and you will realize that this is the place to visit, follow, and participate in all that Sally Offers. She will promote and feature indie author books and review those she finds attractive.

Sally is such a treasure that on the International Day of Awesomeness, we all ought to take a moment and thank her. One way is to send her a Tweet. Another is to visit her blog and say hello.

A great way would be to visit her Amazon page and look at all her books with the idea that you will indeed find one you like. Here are the covers to whet your appetite.

The rest of the crew at Story Empire also features Sally, so you will probably be seeing quite a bit about her today. That is a good thing for sure.

We all at Story Empire honor you, Sally.

We appreciate you too.

Tuesday – Anything Possible – Prompt – Kreative Kue # 350 by Keith Channing

March 8, 2022March 7, 2022 ~ John W. Howell ~ 73 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 on 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 time.”

The photo.

“So, I’m glad you decided to join me.”

“Did I have a choice?”

“We all have choices, Stanley.”

“But in my case, not to meet might have been hazardous to my health.”

“Come, come, Stanley. I think you are being a bit dramatic.”

“Tell me what you want?”

“I guess we are skipping the amenities.”

“You know this is business, so why once around.”

“I find even in business, it doesn’t hurt to be pleasant.”

“How pleasant are you when you off someone?”

“Now, Stanley. I don’t think such talk is necessary.”

“Get to the point, will you?”

“Very well. The boss has an offer for you.”

“Which I can’t refuse, I suppose.”

“Not to get too existential, but we all have free choice.”

“God, Tony. What’s got into you?”

“Love for my fellow man, Stanley.”

“Sure. What’s the offer?”

“You know the boss care for his family?”

“So I’ve heard.”

“He considers you as one of his family.”

“What the black sheep?”

“So the offer is this. You sell one hundred boxes of girl scout cookies, and your loan is forgiven.”

“Come on, Tony. Get to the serious part.”

“That’s it. The boss’s kid is under a little pressure since she wants to be the high seller this year. So we have a deal?”

“Well…Yes, we have a deal.”

“Good. Here are the order forms. Go get ’em, Stanley.”

“The boss can count on me.”

“He hopes so, Stanley. The bay is way too cold this time of year.”

Top Ten Things Not to Do If You Have Spring Fever

March 7, 2022March 6, 2022 ~ John W. Howell ~ 71 Comments

This post originally ran on March 15th, 2015. As we approach spring, it is worth another warning.

* * *

Top Ten Things Not to Do If You Have Spring Fever

10 If you have spring fever, do not fall in love with everyone you see. If you do, at best, you will get a broken heart. At worst, you will need to deal with all the partners to whom you have been reported for inappropriate sighing. (Not to mention concerning behavior)

9 If you have spring fever, do not daydream at work. If you do, at best, your fellow workers will think you use drugs. At worst, the boss will believe you have a motivation condition that can only be helped with a six-week motivational seminar (Which is being held in Fargo, ND, where spring comes in July.)

8 If you have spring fever, do not operate heavy machinery. If you do, at best, you may waste some material because of inattention. At worst, you may be deep in thought and run the heavy machinery through the shop wall or floor. (Better check to see what is under that 2000 pound wheel.)

7 If you have spring fever, do not operate a motor vehicle. If you do, at best, you may get a fender bender. At worst, you may be pulled over by the state police because you are going the wrong way on the freeway. (Try explaining the concept of spring fever with your hands cuffed behind you.)

6 If you have spring fever, do not lay in a bed of daisies. If you do, At best, you will be allergic. At worst, you might be in contact with a nest of fire ants or bees and will end up in the ER having to explain why you decided to lay in a bed of daisies in the first place. (The story will never come out right)

5 If you have spring fever, do not decide to take the day off. If you do, at best, you will miss some important phone calls. At worst, you will miss the meeting where your boss was going to announce your surprise award for attendance which now isn’t necessary since the office snitch explained that you just didn’t come in today. (I think you can guess who will get the award.)

4 If you have spring fever, do not decide to write poetry for the first time. If you do, at best, no one will ever see it. At worst, you will want to share it with your family and friends causing an immediate interdiction and a nice quiet room for you. (Can you still hear the laughter?)

3 If you have spring fever, do not decide to force the family on a picnic. If you do, at best, all of you will be wet and miserable. At worst, the park patrol will finally find you after several hours of your family being reported lost in the blizzard. (Guess who is not talking to you anymore?)

2 If you have spring fever, do not decide to take up guitar playing. If you do, at best, you will get good enough to be described as awful. At worst, you will be strumming and singing a song and wonder why all the people have left, and all the cats have arrived. (The fish guy started out this way.)

1 If you have spring fever, do not buy a convertible or sports car. If you do, at best, you will be forced to drive it alone. At worst, you will be asked kindly by your partner to return the vehicle to the point of purchase under penalty of a total and complete censure. (Guess how much the car is worth when you bring it back?)

Views of the Neighborhood – Concert Time

March 6, 2022November 5, 2022 ~ John W. Howell ~ 81 Comments

Today we are going to a concert. It is about time we do some cultural things along with eating and drinking. The Band of the Hills which is a community band for all ages is having a concert at the Lakeway activity center. We are being catered Dim Sum by Wu Chow in Austin and our entertainment will be Thelonis Monk playing Duke Ellington’s Caravan.

DIM SUM FEATURED ITEMS

红油抄手 Sichuan Spicy Wontons (4 per order)

虾仁馄饨 Crispy Shrimp Wonton (4 per order)

盐和胡椒虾 Salt & Pepper Shrimp

麻辣排骨 Mala Ribs (3 per order) 麥

糯米饭 Sticky Rice (sausage or shiitake) 麥蔬 |

葱油饼 Scallion Pancake 蔬 |

黄瓜 Spicy Cucumbers 麥蔬 |

冷芝麻面 Cold Sesame Noodle 蔬 |

担担面 Dan Dan Noodles |

小籠包 | Shanghai Pork Soup Dumplings (5 per order) |

雞餃 | Steamed Chicken Dumplings (5 per order) |

豬肉鍋貼 | Pork Potstickers (5 per order) |

牛肉鍋貼 | Beef Potstickers (5 per order) |

香菜蝦餃 | Shrimp & Cilantro Dumplings (3 per order) |

蔬菜餃子 | Vegetable Dumplings (3 per order) 蔬 |

蝦餃 | Gulf Shrimp Ha Gow (3 per order) |

燒賣 | Pork & Shrimp Shumai (4 per order) |

雞燒賣 | Chicken and Shiitake Shumai (3 per order) |

鲜虾扇贝 Shrimp & Scallop Shumai (3 per order) |

Drinks of all kinds.

So let’s get on the bus

There is the Activity Center.

Here is the program for today. We will hear Thelonis Monk’s version of Caravan later

We are here just in time. The band is warming up.

People are filing in.

More warming up.

The Band leader takes the podium

The concert begins.

Stream of Consciousness Saturday – Prompt – “Way to Go”

March 5, 2022March 4, 2022 ~ John W. Howell ~ 67 Comments

Drumming my fingers on the counter, waiting for the orchestrated process that manufacturers a cup of coffee to be complete, the memory synapses kick in before caffeine. That darned bunny was the message relayed to the heart, lungs, stomach, and legs. Mercifully the machine finally delivered the soothing syrup designed to smooth out the peaks and valleys of an overrevved reaction to the torturous memory interruption. “Way to go,” I whispered to the hot, steaming mug of dark frothy deliciousness.

In a more stable condition, the realization that the front door needs to be addressed sets in. Since there is no clue of anything on the Ring doorbell camera, there is only one way to determine if the grey carrot munching talking cartoon of a rabbit is gone. My prayer goes up that he is indeed somewhere else. The door is flung open.

“What’s up, Doc?”

My hair shoots up to its full length, which would be a good visual for a cartoon but an awful feeling in reality. My inclination is to slam the door but then consider that a mystery is to be solved. Instead, I ask the rabbit why he was here on my porch. His response is a classic out of the Warner Brothers studio. “The street is too busy,” he says.

I try to explain that the presence of a cartoon rabbit needs some clarification. He listens to me with interest then shrugs his shoulder. He goes on to say that he is not sure why he is there either other than to deliver the second message from Linda Hill. He then whips out an envelope which he tosses to me. Instinct causes the non-coffee hand to pluck the envelope out of the air. “Way to Go,” says the bunny and then disappears.

I open the envelope, and again the note floats out, and I snatch it as well. The message reads. Your Friday prompt for Stream of Consciousness Saturday is “way to go.” Use it as a phrase or use it in its literal sense. Enjoy!

If you would like to join this group, visit Linda’s blog and read how easy it is. Here is the link. https://lindaghill.com/2022/03/04/the-friday-reminder-and-prompt-for-socs-march-5-2022/

“You didn’t explain the mystery.”

“I was hoping the rabbit would.”

“Yeah, but he disappeared.”

“I have a feeling he’ll be back.”

“You know that for sure?”

“Well, no.”

“You make up the most frustrating stories. You know that?”

“I do now.”

“Why don’t you just do a normal into.”

“Like what.”

“You know. Here’s the prompt, and here’s my story.”

Then how would you and I have these little conversations?”

“We could just meet for a drink, and just maybe the drink would be a little more than an absolute necessity.”

“I drive you to drink?”

“Only if we take your car.”

“I hear a drum ‘bump, bump’ and a cymbal.”

“Yeah, that was very Henny Youngman of me.”

“Seriously, my stories cause you to need a drink.”

“Or a shot in the face.”

“Come on.”

“Okay, not that bad, but I think I do have a case of post prompt syndrome.”

“I know what fixes that.”

“You driving?”

“Yup.”

“Way to go.”

Friday JohnKu – AKA – TGIF – Fri-Yay/Good News

March 4, 2022March 3, 2022 ~ John W. Howell ~ 105 Comments

Today’s Good News story comes from the Good News Network. Here is the entire story.

Former Marine Driving 1,000 Miles to Ukraine Border in Minibus Loaded with Supplies, Toys, and Blankets for Refugees

by Andy Corbley March 3, 2022

A former UK Royal Marine has loaded a 16-seater minibus with sleeping bags, pillows, and toys for refugees moving across the Ukrainian border into Poland and pledged to drive 1,000 miles to personally deliver them.

31-year-old Tom Littledyke from Lyme Regis began his journey on February 28th, saying he was inspired to act after seeing pictures of “families broken and separated by the conflict.”

Setting up a fundraiser, it took Littledyke just twelve hours to fill his minibus with supplies and collect £4,000 in donations ($5,300) for the trip.

“Too often do we think that we have to do something grand, and if it can’t be grand, what’s the point,” he told the BBC. “It doesn’t matter what we do as long as it’s something in the right direction. There’s so many of us who want to help. It will all build to this gigantic thing.”

The 1,000 mile (1,600 km) drive will take him and his cargo through England, France, Germany, and Poland before arriving at the border with Ukraine, where an alleged 500,000 refugees have fled. After unloading the supplies, he plans to utilize the bus to give rides to people who have a place to stay.

Littledyke’s partner will hold down the fort in his absence, which consists of two pubs and an Italian restaurant.

While it is said that war is hell, Good News Network knows that during times when the capacity for human malevolence is greatest, the capacity for compassion is greater.

The good news here is one man decided to do something to help Ukrainians. Today’s JohnKu reminds us to think of those in need. I hope you have a super weekend, and maybe you can think of a small way to help.

Big efforts to help,

Can also use the support . . .

Of little kind acts.