“Lucy what are you. doing” “Shush. I’m tracking that stupid squirrel.” “He went the other way.” “I know but I’m memorizing his scent for the next time.”
It is Wednesday Story Day again, and last week, we were all amazed that Agent Moore had to take a call in private. He then arranged some 24-hour security people heading over to Ms. Thomas’s office even as we speak. At the end of the discussion, Moore mentioned a survey like he was providing cable customer service. Larry had a problem with that and the private call. Let’s head back to Thomas’s office and see where this mess is heading.
“What do you think of that survey remark, Pricilla?”
“I think he was joking. You know how everyone is nuts for surveys these days.”
“Yeah, I couldn’t imagine the FBI sending surveys.”
“Which makes it all the funnier.”
“Ms. Thomas.”
“Yes, Andrew.”
“You have to understand. Larry has no sense of humor. In fact, he has less than no sense of humor.”
“Come on, Andrew. I have a sense of humor.”
“Right.”
“In any case, you two. I think Agent Moore was making a joke. I also think he needed to call his office in private for whatever reason, and we ought to accept that fact.”
“You are the boss.”
“Hold on. The front desk is calling. Yes? Send them in. It is the two security guys.”
“Is that them knocking?”
“Come in.”
“Ms. Thomas?”
“Yes.”
“I’m agent Fuller, and this is agent Scott.”
“Welcome, gentlemen. This is Larry Dunfee and Andrew Cummings. They are from the Boston police department.”
“Pleased to meet you officers. First things first. We will be with you for twelve hours and then relieved by another team. We don’t want to hamper your lifestyle but need to stay with you. That pretty much means one of us has to be with you at all times.”
“What about the ladies’ room?”
“Of course, you can have your privacy, but we need to check it out before you enter.”
“This is going to be a challenge.”
“Don’t worry. We have provided protection to many people and pride ourselves in discretion and the ability to not be overbearing.”
“What about home.”
“We will drive you there and stay with you as well.”
“It’s going to be unusual, but as you say, you’ve done this before.”
“Agent Scott will be outside the door, and I will stay here. Any questions?”
“I have one.”
“Yes, Mr. Dunfee.”
“May we see your credentials.”
“Of course. I apologize. It is the first thing I normally do. I have them right here.”
“That looks more like a gun than a badge.”
“Shut up and turn around.”
“Gonna shoot me in the back?”
“No, I’m going to relieve you of your gun then, with all due respect, ask you to get down on the floor. You as well . . . ah . . .er.”
“Cummings. Andrew Cummings.”
“Thank you, Mr. Cummings. Get on the floor as well. Agent Scott is going to put some restraints on you. Be nice, and he won’t cut the blood flow to your hands.”
“Okay, we are down. What is this about?”
“Well, we are going to take Ms. Thomas here for a little ride.”
“I’m not going with you.”
“This Glock says something a little different. Put the restraints on her too, Scott. Now here is how this little play is going to go. Thomas will be a nice person and fetch Popović, and then we will go get Carolyn. If everyone behaves themselves, Carolyn and Thomas will find their way back to safety. We will have Popović, and you will have Carolyn. Nobody gets hurt, and we won’t have any double-dealings in the trade. We know our offer of trade probably caused some angst within your team, Thomas. Now there is no moral dilemma. Nice and clean.”
“Except you are kidnapping me and interfering in an ongoing investigation and heaven knows how many other charges.”
“Yeah, that doesn’t mean a thing to us. You boys comfy?”
“Laying on the floor with our hands behind our back. What do you think.?”
“Once we leave, you can roll around all you want. Okay, Ms. Thomas. Let’s go.”
“What if I refuse?”
“Let’s not go there. So far, everything has been civil. I would hate to be forced to get nasty.”
“How nasty?”
“Bullet in the knee nasty.”
“Okay, I get it.”
“Thank you. You can follow Scott. Ta-ta for now, gentleman.”
“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.”
Today marks the 71st anniversary of the introduction of the VW bus from then West Germany. We certainly want to go and capture the moment. We need to get into James’s Oldsmobile and take our list of things not to do to avoid a tear in the time continuum. So let’s get going.
James’s Oldsmobile from Eternal Road – The final stop
10 If you go, do not ask if you can replace the emblem on the hood (bonnet) with a peace symbol. If you do, at best, the engineers will be too busy to answer. At worst, Ferdinand Porsche will escort you to his office. (Ferdinand is the brains behind the original VW, Mate. He is very interested in why the peace symbol. Of course, if you tell him that the bus will represent counter-culture, he may faint.)
9 If you go, do not attempt to avoid a sales pitch given by the head of sales, Tiny, the WWF champ. If you do, at best, Tiny will be giving pitches to others. At worst, Tiny, who just completed an intensive sales training course where he was told not to take “no” for an answer, will view you as a challenge. (The way Tiny handles challenges, Mathieu is to eliminate them. His favorite method is the helicopter spin. Looks like his engine is getting warmed up. Bon voyage.)
8 If you go, do not mention the Westfalia camper to the engineers. If you do, at best, they will laugh you to St. Louis. At worst, the engineers will wonder where you got the idea. (So you’ve blown your cover, Matin. The Westfalia wasn’t introduced to the US until 1956. Those engineers are calling the police. They think you are an alien who is better than a time traveler.)
7 If you go, do not describe Woodstock after a few beers with the VW crowd. If you do, at best, they will think it’s the beer talking. At worst, they will all want to go. (Good luck, Matthieu. You are now on the hook for an event that is 19 years in the future. There is not enough room in the Olds to take you all there. I think you better make up something quick. These guys look a little irritated.)
6 If you go, do not sing the song ‘Convoy’ to describe the VW participation. If you do, at best, most will walk away. At worst, some will find it a bit confusing. (You see, Matvey the song refers to the long-haired sons of Jesus in a micro mini bus. These guys know the VW as the Type 2 or Transporter. Mni-buswas the common term. I think you better explain before any blood vessels are blown. These are german engineers after all.)
5 If you go, do not talk about the VW bus in the TV series ‘Lost.’ If you do, at best no one will be interested. At worst, everyone will want to hear the story. (Sad thing is, Maurizio. You don’t know the whole story, just that a 1968 VW bus was discovered on the survivor’s tropical island. They are all looking at you. I would invent something. Quick.)
4 If you go, do not describe the collectible feature of the Mini-Bus. If you do, at best they will think you are lying. At worst, the engineers will want proof. (You are in a pickle, Marry. Yes the 1967 Samba van used on That 70’s show sold for $121,000. How are you going to prove that. Aren’t you glad you opened your mouth?”
3 If you go, do not call the factory price of a minivan cheap. If you do, at best people will think they misunderstood. At worst, you’ll get into an argument with the biggest guy in the building. (The $2,200 cost is equivalent to about $23,800 today, Mawrth. For comparison, the average car cost about the same $2,200 or about 66.6 percent of the annual household income. So there was little room for price increases.)
2 If you go, do not ask them to take out some seats to make room for your sleeping bag. If you do, at best, they will ignore you. At worst, they’ll call the cops. (Remember this is 1950, Maxfield. People didn’t sleep in their transportation back then. This is not a travel trailer. The badges have arrived. You explain to them what you asked for.)
1 If you go, do not show the engineers a photo of the 1963 Light Bus painted by Bob Grmm. If you do, at best, they will pass out. At worst, they will want you to tell them how to find Bob Grimm. (you have to understand, Maximus. This is their baby and that photo is shocking to see. Looks like they are rounding up a posse. I think I would hit the road.)
Lakeway Parks & Recreation Presents a 2021 Virtual Compass Treasure Hunt. Learn orienteering skills by using a compass to find your way to the hidden treasure! March 1, 2021 – March 21, 2021, Lakeway City Park – 502 Hurst Creek Road – Lakeway, TX 78734
Okay, so now we know what we are doing. We need to board the bus to get to the park. Once there we will have a great lunch. We have again decided to use the French Laundry in Yountville. Here is the menu.
French Laundry Chef’s Tasting Menu
5 March 2021
“OYSTERS AND PEARLS”
“Sabayon” of Pearl Tapioca with Island Creek Oysters and Regiis Ova Caviar
GOLDEN BEET “GAZPACHO”
Tomato Water “Gelée” and Fragrant Basil
“BREAD AND BUTTER”
Bitter Cocoa Laminated Brioche and Diane St. Clair’s Animal Farm Butter
HAWAIIAN AHI TUNA “TARTARE”
Puffed Grains, Garden Sorrel and Golden Pineapple “Chiffon”
HAND HARVESTED MAINE SEA SCALLOP “POÊLÉ”
La Ratte Potato Purée, “Pommes Maxim’s” and French Pickle Emulsion
WOLFE RANCH WHITE QUAIL “PÂTÉ EN CROÛTE”
Black Winter Truffle Purée, Toasted Pistachios,
Poached Rhubarb and “Sauce Périgourdine”
or
HAND ROLLED RICOTTA “AGNOLOTTI”
Cheese Rind “Consommé” and Shaved Périgord Black Winter Truffles
“PEAS AND CARROTS”
“Châteaubriand” of Marcho Farms Veal, Garden Pea Shoots,
Glazed Nantes Carrots and “Sauce Bordelaise”
or
CHARCOAL GRILLED JAPANESE WAGYU
Black Trumpet Mushrooms, Wilted Arrowleaf Spinach and Mushroom “Jus Gras”
“GOUGÈRE”
Andante Dairy “Etude” and Preserved Périgord Black Winter Truffle “Fondue”
ASSORTMENT OF DESSERTS
Fruit, Ice Cream, Chocolate, and Candies
Our wine today is all French. A Burgandy René & Vincent Dauvissat, “La Forest” 2014 and a Chablis François Raveneau, “Valmur” 2016.
Our entertainment is Eric Clapton.
So let’s get on the bus.
The parks department gave us the first set of clues. Here they are.
“Let’s SWING into action with this first clue!
On the lower level of City Park, there is a popular place to play. Stand at the blue post that has 2 seats on each side, and you have found your starting point.”
Let’s see. Blue pole two seats on either side. This is it.
More clues.
“Set your compass to 100 degrees, put Red Fred in the Shed, and follow your arrow approximately 100 paces.”
100 degrees. Check. 100 paces. Check
Next clue.
“You have to get to the root of things to find the next clue.
Wondering if you are close? If you spot a strip of red tape nearby, you know you are in the right area!”
There is a red strip of tape.
This is what 100 paces look like. The blue pole is way back there.
Getting to the root of things. There is a box there.
The next clue.
240 degrees. Check.
125 paces, and there is a red marker.
Searching the nearby trees. We searched all the trees near and far and did not get the next clue. This finishes us for the day. But I will contact the Parks Department and find out what happened to the clue.
Stay and enjoy the food and music. We’ll pick it up next week. Hope you have a good one.
It is Stream of Consciousness Saturday again, and I got a box in the mail that says to be opened by the recipient only. So I opened it. Inside I found an ear of corn, a shaker of salt, and a pound of butter with a note. Here is what the note said. “Your Friday prompt for Stream of Consciousness Saturday is “butter.” Use it as a noun, use it as a verb, use it any way you’d like. Have fun!”
So that’s it. If you would like to join in on the fun, visit Linda Hill’s post and learn how. It is effortless. Here is the link.
“There is no wild animal there, Twiggy. Let’s play.” “It never hurts to be careful.” “Careful is another word for obsessed.”
It is Friday again, and time to get ready for the weekend. This week our governor announced that all businesses Can open up with 100% occupancy. In addition, facemasks are no longer mandatory.
Not sure what to make of all that. I think such a move is going to have a detrimental effect on the spread of the virus. There haven’t been enough vaccinations yet to say there is herd immunity. I believe only 7.5% of all Texans have received full protection.
I’m in priority group 1B and am now looking for a vaccine spot. I had originally thought I could wait until more of the vaccine is available. With the governor’s move, I definitely feel vulnerable. I will continue to wear a mask to my doctor visits. (The only time I go out) The available vaccine is in short supply, and it is challenging to find a place to get a shot.
We will see how packed bars, restaurants, and people wandering around with no masks plays out. I’m betting that, in hindsight, it will be a problem.
Today’s JohnKu talks about whose responsibility it is to protect oneself from the virus. I hope you all have a safe and happy weekend.
“Hey, Lucy. Don’t tell me it’s Wednesday.” “It’s Wednesday, Little One.” “I said not to tell me that.”
It is Wednesday Story Day time again, and last week, we found out that everything we thought is confirmed by the tech. Cortez’s men want to trade Carolyn for Lazar, and Stennis is up to his eyebrows in the plot. What surprised us is the conversation between Stennis and Cortez’s men also mentioned Pricilla in the context she will be taken care of. Knowing the Cortez crowd being taken care of is not a diamond watch or a suitcase of Benjamin Franklins. No, more like 50-pound Nikes. Let’s get back to Pricilla’s office and get her reaction.
“Taken care of? What does that mean?”
“I have no way of saying Ms. Thomas, but from the tone, I would say it’s not good.”
“Well, it is what it is. I can’t worry too much about it right now.”
“If it were me, I would get a guard detail.”
“Easier said than done. Everybody is pretty busy.”
“Andrew and I are just standing around, Ms. Thomas. We would be more than happy to serve as your guard detail. Right Andrew?”
“Most certainly.”
“Now that’s not a bad thought. You can help me with this case as well as serve as a deterrent to Cortez.”
“Uh, Ms. Thomas?”
“Yes, Agent Moore.”
“You should consider 24-hour coverage.”
“I think Agent Moore has a point, Ms. Thomas. Maybe the bureau can supply a couple of agents for twelve hours, and Andrew and I could take the other twelve.”
“Not a bad idea, detective. I’ll call the bureau right now. Agent Moore, can you wait around to verify the need.?”
“Absolutely. In fact, if you wish, I can place the call.”
“That would be very nice. Thank you.”
“Let me go to a private place and do that.”
“You can use the phone in the outer office.”
“I have my cell but will need a little privacy since I have some verbal codes that are confidential.
“I understand. Go ahead, we’ll stay here.”
“I’ll be right back.”
“Ms. Thomas.”
“Hold on, Larry. Okay, the door is shut. What is it?”
“I’ve never heard of verbal codes.”
“Me either. I guess for some reason Agent Moore wanted to speak to the bureau privately.”
“Make an alarm go off in my head.”
“What kind of alarm?”
“Ever since Andrew and I have come to Reno, we have grown to distrust those we meet. How can we be sure Mike Moore is calling the FBI and not Cortez.”
“I’ve known Mike a while, and he has always seemed to be legitimate.”
“How long is a while?”
“Several months. Long before any of this crap happened.”
“I still wondering why he couldn’t place the call in front of us?”
“I’m sure he has his reasons. He mentioned codes. Maybe that’s the truth.”
“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.”
“You have Breckenridge Control, Cessna 174. What is the nature of your emergency?”
“I’m losing altitude but cannot explain why. Currently going through ten-thousand heading for nine.”
“Your nearest airfield is Hanover. Would you like vectors to Hanover?”
“Affirmative Breckenridge. Cessna 174.”
“Turn to 220 degrees maintain nine thousand. Contact Hanover tower at 290.5.”
“290.5, nine thousand. The problem is I just went through nine, heading for eight. Cessna 174.”
“Maintain eight thousand, switch to 290.5. Breckenridge out.”
“Hanover, Cessna 174 with you at eight thousand heading for seven.”
“Affirmative Cessna 174. Breckenridge said, you have a problem?”
“Roger that, Hanover. I cannot maintain altitude.”
“Understood, Cessna 174. What is your DG?”
“220 degrees.”
“Maintain 220 degrees. You. are cleared to land on runway 22. You are about six miles from touchdown. Do you have the runway in sight?”
“I’m not sure, Hanover. There is a double rainbow right in front of me. I’m having trouble seeing beyond it.”
“We do not see the rainbow from here. Can you look beyond it, Cessna 174?”
“No, It’s . . . uh . . . like a curtain.”
“Maintain your current rate of descent, Cessna 174. You should be at the end of the runway shorty.”
“I . . .uh. . . can’t”
“You’re breaking up Cessna 174. Did you say you can’t? . . . Cessna 174? . . . Do you copy Cessna 174? . . . Hanover to Cessna 174 do you read?. . . Cessna 174.”
