Tag: Our Justice

Views of the Neighborhood – Search for Spring

~ John W. Howell ~ 82 Comments

Before we get started I just want you to know Eternal Road – The final stop, US Kindle edition, will be on sale for 99¢ starting Today, March 21st at 3:00 AM Eastern time until Wednesday, March 24 at midnight. There are 26 lovely reviews for a 4.8 rating. If you have been waiting for the right price. This will be the time. Now to our regular programming.

***

Since yesterday was the first day of spring,  it seems like a good idea to go out and see if we can find some signs. We will need to load up on food, drink, and entertainment to fully enjoy the trip.

It seems appropriate that we partake in brunch, given the nature of the trip and the fact that it is Sunday. Today we are being catered by Matties in Austin, Texas. Our brunch buffet consists of all you can eat.

Biscuits+Chorizo Cream Gravy ̊with scrambled eggs.
Milk Punch French Toast macerated strawberries, candied pecans, whipped cream, bourbon maple syrup.
Green Chile Pork Chilaquiles tomatillo sauce, chunky pico de gallo, eggs, cotija cheese, tortilla chips.
Breakfast Plate ̊ scrambled eggs, home fries, bacon, or house-made wild boar sausage.
Fried Chicken Eggs Benedict ̊ buttermilk biscuits, hollandaise, green salad.
Basmati Rice Bowl (V) chickpeas, coconut curry, roasted vegetables, cilantro, tomato, green onions.
Grassfield Farms Beef Burger ̊ aged Tillamook cheddar, tomato-bacon jam, Duke’s mayo, house Frites.

Dessert is an assortment of fresh fruit. (Don’t ever say I don’t care about your health)

To drink we have a nice Bollinger La Grande Annee Brut 2012 champagne and Charles Krug Cabernet Sauvignon 2017. Our entertainment is Sarah McLachlan.

So let’s all get on the bus and go.

Our first stop is to view this Bradford pear. It is one of the first bloomers of spring.

A better photo of another Bradford pear

A sweet redbud is all alone.

Green leaves pop out in the foreground, and a light green tinge to the background’s live oak.

The deer love the spring green grass.

A murdered cape myrtle beginning to bud with new growth.

Young Bradford pears.

A close-up of the Bradford pear blossoms.

An older redbud bursting with color.

Views of the neighborhood

The last time we were looking for spring, The Producer took this photo of bluebonnets just beginning to grow. We had a hard freeze after this photo was taken.

Here are the same bluebonnets recorded by The Producer this week. As you can see, the freezing temperatures did not stop their beauty.

Well, that’s it for today. Other than the bluebonnets, there are few blooming flowers. Maybe later in the spring. Relax with brunch and listen to Sarah. I hope you have a great week.

 

Stream of Consciousness Saturday – Prompt – “Starts with Cal”

~ John W. Howell ~ 45 Comments

 

It is Stream of Consciousness Saturday time again. I just got a delivery from FedEx and see the return address is Linda Hill. The box is light but filled with bubble wrap. I have to keep this from Twiggy since she loves to pop it.`So here is the message.

Your Friday prompt for Stream of Consciousness Saturday is “starts with cal.” Use a word starting with the letters “cal” as your prompt word. Have fun!

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

The Friday Reminder and Prompt for #SoCS March 20, 2021

Starts with Cal by John W. Howell © 2021

“It’s Saturday.”

“I know.”

“What’s the prompt?”

“It starts with Cal.”

“Who’s Cal?”

“No one. The prompt is ‘It Starts with Cal.”‘

“So, Cal starts the prompt.”

“I think I’m going to need a paper bag in a minute.”

“You hyperventilating?”

“No to cove the fact that I’m drinking bourbon straight out of the bottle.”

“Why would you do that?”

“Okay I’ll try one more time. Listen carefully.”

“I’m all ears.”

“And no brains.”

“Aw, come on. Say it one more time.”

“Okay. The prompt today is words that start with C-A-L.”

“Aw crap. Why didn’t you just say so. Words like California, Calistoga, calcium, calculation, calendar, calm, and your favorite callous?”

“Yeah now you have it. What do you mean my favorite.”

“You just strike me as a calous person.”

“I think it is more dealing with the calamity that is you makes me look that way.”

“I’ll buy that. I think it’s time for a barley and hops caloric hit.”

“You buying one who is called flush?”

“Just refer to me as on call. How about a calzone too?”

“I had my mouth set for calamari.”

“Oh, that stuff gives me a rash. I’ll need some calamine lotion after.”

“Never mine. We can stick with the calzome but I will need some calamata olives.”

“Nice try but Kalamata Olives starts with a ‘C'”

“Let’s quit and go get a drink.”

“That’s the caliber I’ve been looking for.”

“Stop it.”

“Fine. You’re driving.”

 

Friday JohnKu – AKA – TGIF

~ John W. Howell ~ 72 Comments
“Lucy you are it. Come chase me.”
“Hold on, Little One. I think I hear the roar of a cheese package.”
“I don’t hear it.”
“Maybe I’m having auditory hallucinations. Okay, start running.”

 

Here we are on Friday again. I guess we all are glad the weekend is here. I have to join Twiggy in her celebrations since every day is pretty much like the other. (being retired and all.)

Not much excitement around here. I have noticed on the news there is a little more action on the bar scene due to the state authorizing bars to open. The city of Austin is continuing the mandatory mask regulations, which I think is good. Unfortunately, the State is not so inclined, and the State Attorney General has issued a cease and desist order. I think the mayor of Austin will ignore it, so there will be some laughable legal maneuvers ahead. The governor and mayor do not see eye to eye on many matters.

We will probably see a percentage increase in Covid cases like other states who have opened up. The fact that 9% of Texans are fully vaccinated compared to 12% of the US population does not add comfort to a potential increase in cases. The next three weeks will tell the tale.

One more thing. Eternal Road – The final stop US Kindle edition will be on sale starting Sunday, March 21st at 3:00 AM Eastern time until Wednesday, March 24 at midnight. There are 26 lovely reviews for a 4.8 rating. If you have been waiting for the right price. This will be the time.

Today’s JohnKu looks forward to spring. I hope you have a lovely weekend.

Spring by John W. Howell © 2021

The snow disappears,

Nourishing the ground below . . .

To herald the blooms.

Thursday – A Little Personal – Twiggy Has Had It.

~ John W. Howell ~ 92 Comments

Lucy and Twiggy

“Twiggy, where you going?”

“To the patio. I need to catch some rays.”

“There’s no pillow up there.”

“Right, we have had some rain, and Mom took the pillows in.”

“I’m not sure I can do this.”

“Yes, you can. You don’t need a pillow.”

“I mean, speak for yourself.”

“Okay, let’s see if we can get you one.”

“This is a little uncomfortable.”

“For heaven’s sake, I’ll go get you a pillow.”

“That’s okay. I’ll just stretch ut on the patio.”

“It’s pretty hot in the sun.”

“What’s that? Looks like an ant.”

“Yes, it’s an ant.”

“I’m out of here.”

“Hey, Twiggy, what’s up?

“You won’t believe what I had to put up with out there.”

“Looks like you had a rough time.”

“You wouldn’t believe it. No pillow and a crazed ant wandering around.”

“Sounds like you ought to file a complaint with the management.”

“Not a bad idea. How do I do that?”

“HEY, LUCY. HOW DO I FILE A COMPLAINT?”

“Geez, Little One. I’m right here.”

“But your eyes are closed, and you are not paying attention to me.”

“My eyes are closed, but my ears are open.”

“You go to Mom and let her know your complaint.”

“Maybe I’ll wait. Not having a pillow isn’t all that bad.”

“What about the ant?”

“It has to live too, I suppose.”

“You are such a trooper.”

“I try.”

Wednesday Story Day – AKA – Hump Day

~ John W. Howell ~ 65 Comments
Twiggy
“Dad. Can you level with me?”
“Sure Little One. What’s the question?”
“Why does Wednesday come before Friday?”
“Makes you appreciate Friday more that’s why.”
“I knew there was a reason. Thanks.”

 

Happy St. Patrick’s Day. It is Wednesday Story Day time again. Last week we were surprised by the fact that the agents called up by Agent Moore turned out to be working for Cortez. They took Pricilla and intend to force her to trade Lazar for his daughter, Carolyn. The agents left Larry and Andrew in restraints on the floor. We really should follow Pricilla to see what goes down at the Highway patrol headquarters when Pricilla asks Lieutenant Mayfield to turn over Lazar. Let’s not forget the fact that this little story involves Larry and Andrew. Let’s go there first and see how the boys are doing. (man, this is becoming a nightmare to stage a scene.)

“How you. doing?”

“I’m an old man. I really don’t do well laying on my stomach with my hands behind my back. This floor dust is killing my asthma.”

“Roll over then.”

“Easier said than done. I have no leverage since these guys pulled my arms up high.”

“Let me scoot over to you. Hold on. Okay, use me to lean against and roll yourself over.”

“Whoa. That worked. Man, clean, fresh air.”

“I feel bad taking an old codger like you on this trip.”

“Never mind the codger stuff. Start thinking of a way to get free. How about since you are close? Try to feel the restraints on my wrists. Here I’ll turn on my side.”

“Okay, I’ll turn on my side and come closer to you. Okay, here I am. I can feel the restraints, and it is not good.”

“Why not.”

“These are standard issue heavy duty and will need to be cut off.”

“Could we manage it with a knife?”

“I think even if we had our hands free, it would be tricky to cut through these. We really need a pair of wire cutters.”

“But these are plastic.”

“trust me, they might as well be made of steel.”

“I have a penknife in my pocket. You want to at least try?”

“Why is it you old guys always have a penknife? Quills have been obsolete for centuries.”

“The fact that I have one may help us get out of this mess so you can mock it all you want. Besides, it is a Swiss Army penknife and has a right handy nail file.”

“The visual of you filing your nails has me ready to barf. Hold on. Someone’s coming.”

“What the hell are you two doing?”

“Ah, our old buddy Agent Moore the turncoat.”

“Turncoat? What are you talking about?”

“You called agents to come to guard Pricilla, right?”

“Yes, of course.”

“Well, they arrived and took her to the Highway Patrol Headquarters to get Lazar released to trade for Carolyn. By the way, could you possibly find something and cut us free?”

“The agents I called haven’t arrived yet. They called and said they were twenty minutes out. That’s why I came in here to tell you. I have a release right here. There you are free, Larry. Here you go, Andrew.”

“Damn, so how did these guys know to pretend to be the protection detail?”

“I’m sure I don’t know.”

“We need to call Lieutenant Mayfield.”

 

Tuesday – Anything Possible – Kreative Kue #303 by Keith Channing

~ John W. Howell ~ 52 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 What? by John W. Howell © 2021

“Well, you’ve done a fine job.”

“Why, thank you. You mean that, or are you just saying it?”

“No, I mean it. Of course, I think it’s time you stop.”

“Why?”

“Here you are. You’ve almost circled this entire tree. I just think it is time to stop.”

“You think this nest is okay then?”

“I would say you have built the finest nest South of the equator.”

“You mean that?”

“Of course I do.”

“This brings up a problem, you know.”

“What’s that?”

“What do I do next?”

“Oh. I think I can help you with that?”

“Oh yeah? You have an idea?”

“Now that the nest is finished, we can start a family.”

“That sounds like the logical next step, I think.”

“You agree then?”

“I can see the future.”

“Which is.”

“An addition  to accommodate the new family members.”

“You know most Social Weavers take a break from building.”

“Lazy Social Weavers*, I would say.”

“Shall we go in?”

“I never thought you would ask.”

*Social Weavers are birds that build huge nests in Africa. They live in colonies so my story has taken a little bit of license with a single family view.

 

Top Ten Things Not to Do If You Live in a Spring Break Area

~ John W. Howell ~ 81 Comments

 

Here is a Top Ten post that was run on March 14th, 2016. If you remember it, I hope you enjoy it again. If not, I hope you enjoy it now.

 

This list is inspired by watching almost every weird occurrence that can transpire in a two-week spring break period.  I did a previous post on the subject but decided to take it from the sane adult perspective. After all, for every drunken idiot spring breaker antic, there is an equally sober witness to that action. (It’s called the law of disgust) This list is for those innocent souls who happen to be living in a place that is a destination for spring breakers.

Ten Things Not to Do If You Live in a  Spring Break Area by John W, Howell © 2016

10 If you live in a spring break area, do not react to a group of spring breakers in a pick-up who ask you to pull up your shirt. If you do, at best, you might get a string of beads. At worst, you may cause the group irreparable psychological harm. (They were talking to the young woman behind you. Not you old man.)

9 If you live in a spring break area, do not try to cross the street. If you do, at best, you will become a laughable imitation of the game Frogger. At worst, you may end up on the hood of a pick-up and realize the driver is too drunk to see that far. (You won’t mind riding there for the next ten miles, right?)

8  If you live in a spring break area, do not think you will be able to drive downtown to the store. If you do, at best, what was a five-minute round trip will be a three-hour tour. At worst, you will never get to the store and will, in fact, be carried by the traffic to the next county. (The city tried to warn you about traffic flow)

7 If you live in a spring break area, do not think you can go to the beach. If you do, at best, you will not find a place. At worst, you will be caught up in a game of beer pong and never make it home. (So it was the only way you could find a place, you say?)

6 If you live in a spring break area, do not take any insults personally. If you do, at best, you will be the source of much laughter. At worst, you will need transport to the ER for heart attack symptoms. (Guess which EMS vehicle can’t get through the crowds?)

5 If you live in a spring break area, do not worry about the ten tons of trash lying on the beach. If you do, at best, you will want to do something to the next person you see toss a beer can. At worst, the next person you see toss a beer can is nicknamed “killer.” (This will not turn out well, will it?)

4 If you live in a spring break area, do not try to help a person who appears lost and disoriented. If you do, at best, they will not understand you. At worst, you could be the recipient of a barf shower. (Of course, you wanted to help. You can’t help stupid)

3 If you live in a spring break area, do not try to do anything about all the noise coming from your neighbor’s house. If you do, at best, your neighbor will tell you where to go. At worst, the noise will increase since your neighbor doesn’t like being told what to do. (He is especially stubborn after twelve beers. Just ask his wife.)

2 If you live in a spring break area, do not use any sharp knives or dangerous tools for the duration. If you do, at best, you won’t need emergency attention. At worst, you will need to know first aid since it will be about two days until someone can come to help you. (The police and medical teams are dealing with big problems like passed out underage drinkers.)

1 If you live in a spring break area, do not leave your doors unlocked. If you do, at best, you may wake up with unknown guests on your couch. At worst, all your furniture could be on the front lawn. (Just because a bunch of kids thought it would be funny)

Views of the Neighborhood – Compass Treasure Hunt – Part 2

~ John W. Howell ~ 89 Comments

For those of you who were here last week, you will recall clue number two of the Compass Treasure Hunt was missing. If you missed last week, you could catch up HERE. I called the Parks and Recreation Department, and sure enough, the clue had been buried under some cedar stips. The director told me the clue was now visible. So we can begin again where we left off. As we know, we march on our stomach, so today, we are being catered by Juniper in Austin. Here are the choices.

ANTIPASTI
PUFFY POTATO
dijon créme, fine herbs
add White Sturgeon Caviar
KAMPACHI CRUDO
texas grapefruit, sugar snap peas
PRIMI
RISOTTO MILANESE
saffron, meyer lemon
add Maine Lobster
CACIO E PEPE
add Black Périgord Truffle
GNOCCHI SARDI
cannellini beans, brussels sprouts, brown butter
add Black Périgord Truffle
BLACK TRUFFLE AGNOLOTTI
Yukon gold, parmesan, crispy garlic, shaved truffle SECONDI
DOLCI
BLOOD ORANGE GRANITA
whipped panna cotta, fennel pollen
black pepper, pecorino, texas olive oil
AFFOGATO
hazelnut gelato
GELATO SCOOP ZEPPOLE
whipped mascarpone, caramel
Today’s wine is TERLAN PINOT BIANCO 2018 Trentino, Alto-Adige for the white, and FRESCOBALDI ‘Momoreto’ ROSSO 2014 Tuscany for the red. Our entertainment is Leonard Cohen.

 

Let’s get on the bus.

Here is the last clue from last week

So searching nearby trees, here it is.

So we go along the path.

Till we see a stone building

Due east and 40 paces and I see something within the trees.

Yup. There it is under the stones

The next clue.

Takes us to this bench. See the red stripe? It signals we are close.

Beneath the rock on the left edge of the ledge.

The last clue. Off we go for 65 paces in a 200-degree direction.

We come to a rock wall. The treasure is under the stones. There is a little stack of stones and a red stripe.

Sure enough, there is a treasure chest.

Pull it out.

GOLD. We have found the treasure. We will take our one coin and put it all back.

Thank you for coming along. Relax and listen to Leonard Cohan. I hop you have a great week.

Stream of Consciousness Saturday – Prompt – “Day/Week/Month/Year”

~ John W. Howell ~ 65 Comments

It is Stream of Consciousness Saturday again, and I just got a Prime delivery. I finally got Lucy and Twiggy to calm down, so it’s time to open the box. There’s a note from Linda Hill. here’s what it says.

“Your Friday prompt for Stream of Consciousness Saturday is “day/week/month/year.” Use one, use them all, use them any way you’d like. Enjoy!”

If you would like to join this enjoyment, visit Linda’s blog and find out how. I have to warn you. It is very easy. Here is the link.

The Friday Reminder and Prompt for #SoCS March 13, 2021

Day/Week/Month/Year by John W. Howell © 2021

“You look pretty happy today.”

“I am. I just got the Saturday prompt.”

“Of course, you did, and it’s easy right?”

“All I have to do is write about the day, or week, or month, or year, or all of them.”

“Better get started if you’re going to do them all.”

“What do you mean?”

“A year is a long time.”

“I can’t write about the whole year.”

“Sure you can. Boil it down to the basics.”

“Like how?”

“Mask up, wash hands, stay home.”

“That does pretty much does summarize the year.”

“Try the month.”

“Don’t know where to start.”

“Come on. It’s easy. Mask up, wash hands, stay home, try to find a vaccine shot.”

“You nailed it. How about the week?”

“Mask up, wash hands, go drinking with a bunch of infected losers, and look forward to your COVID relief check.”

“Not bad. The day?”

“Mask up, wash hands and give me a beer from your fridge after you wipe it down with a disinfectant wipe.”

“You are a genius.”

“What are you waiting for?”

 

Friday JohnKu – AKA – TGIF

~ John W. Howell ~ 73 Comments
“Lucy, want to play with my watermelon?”
“Catching 40 winks, Little one.”
“It’s Friday, and you are winking?”
“We have all day.”
“Promise?”
“Yup.”

Another Friday, and Texas is wide open. I wonder if two weeks from now, there will be a resultant spike in Rona. I guess we will see. I get my first shot today. I finally got an appointment on the Southside of Austin. A 45-minute drive. The local CVS is giving shots, but getting an appointment there is impossible. I will be getting the Pfizer two-shot dose. I keep hearing stories of line jumpers who actually lie about their eligibility. The only positive spin I can think of is that they will be protected and not infect others.

The COVID relief bill passed the house’s final vote. The President is ready to sign. Can any of us even imagine $1.9 Trillion with a T? Well, I did a little research, and if you stacked 1 trillion seven feet high, it would take up 2.2 acres or 96,768 square feet. Almost double for 1.9 Trillion. So say 14 feet high. (By the way, once you stack, it pray the wind doesn’t kick up.) Your cut will be $1,400 unless you make too much money. By too much, we are talking $75,000 for individuals and $150,000 for couples. 8% of households make at least $150,000.

I also want to discuss the fact that I am falling behind on my productivity goals for the next book and feel I have to take some action. You may be aware that my Top Ten Things Not to Do post published on Monday involves a lot of research. The length of time it takes is usually three or more hours to put it to bed. I always felt the time was well spent since the post generally delivered on humor and education. Also, a few history buffs enjoyed the post, and I saw them as muses. Well, they have stopped visiting regularly, so I take this as a hint to revise my schedule. I will be posting a Top Ten list but will pull some of the best from the past. Also, if there is a special day (Like national Pizza Day), I will create new copy since very little research is needed to be ridiculous.

I do hope you understand. Today’s JohnKu talks about keeping an even keel. I hope you have a great weekend.

Adjust by John W.Howell © 2021

When the seas get rough,

The sails need an adjustment  . . .

To weather the storm.