Tag: Our Justice

Wednesday Story Day – AKA – Hump Day

~ John W. Howell ~ 51 Comments
“Think we ought to get up and bark or something?”
“It’s Wednesday, Little One. Ask me again on Friday.”

 

It is Wednesday Story Day again, and last week an SUV was barreling down on Larry and Andrew who just slid down a hill to the freeway access road. We were there when Larry yelled at Andrew to take cover in a ditch. He then opened the door of the car and used it to steady his aim. We left when Larry fired six rounds from his 9mm Glock 17 at the SUV. We better get back to see how effective Larry’s Last Stand was in stopping the vehicle.

“Holy shit, Larry.”
“Not sure about the holy part. Looks like these guys won’t be coming after us for a while.”
“I didn’t see the whole thing. Did I hear right? Did that big ole SUV flip a couple of times before ending up on its side?”
“Yeah. Lucky for me too. Had it kept coming, I would be part of it now. Stay back, Andrew. Those two guys look like they have had it, but you never know.”
“How many shots did you take.”
“Not sure, Andrew. I don’t count. I know I hit both the driver and the passenger before the thing went over.”
“Did you shoot at the tires and give them a blowout?”
“Not enough time. Besides the way tires are built today, they have some blowout protection. They probably would have run me over before going flat.”
“You going to check them?”
“Yeah. Just trying to get my legs back and make sure there is no fire.”
“Looks pretty quiet except for the steam coming from the front.”
“I must have hit the radiator too. Well, here goes nothing. Stay here. You have your cell?”
“Yes.”
“Give 911 a call. Tell them it’s not an emergency, but we don’t have the local police number. Tell them we are from police from Boston and have a weapon. We believe there are two gun-shot fatalities.”
“Okay. Be careful.”
“Yeah. I’ll talk my way over there. Okay, Larry take an angle of approach that will keep the car between you and the perps. If you can’t see them, they can’t see you. That’s right. Now you are at the back of the vehicle you need to go forward to the front. The driver’s side is up. The two of them should be in a heap in the passenger’s side. Wait I see an arm out the window. Okay, be still my heart. It looks like the driver has his seatbelt on. Makes sense he would still be in the seat. The question, is he alive? Okay, weapon up and ready.  Approach the danger with caution. Shit, I didn’t check the magazine. There should be enough bullets left since I don’t believe I fired that many. Well, no time to check now. Keep going. No sign of movement. Look in the driver’s window. Yikes. What a mess. Must have hit both with the first shots. A couple of automatic weapons in there too. Not going to touch anything. Gotta sit down. No, go back to Andrew and wait for the first responders. The word fatalities will bring them out in droves. Better put my weapon on the hood of the car too. No way do I want to be shot holding my piece.”
“Those guys done for?”
“Yup they both are gone.”
“You sure?”
“Go look if you don’t believe me.”
“No that’s okay, I’ll take your word. What are you doing?”
“I’m putting my gun and ID on the hood of the car.”
“Why?”
“Those guys are going to be coming in hot, and I don’t want them to think I might be worth a couple of shots.”
“Oh. The dispatcher was very nice. She said she understood the situation and would send help.”
“You told her we were cops?”
“Yeah. Told her those guys were trying to kill us.”
“Good thing those guys has some automatic rifles with them.”
“What do you mean?”
“Well, normally one asks questions first and then start shooting. I started shooting first and was relieved to see those guns.”
“I never thought of that. They definitely were out to get us.”
“We know that, but let’s just say we are alive because we did not follow protocol. Since you were down in that ditch leave the description of the event to me.”
“Yeah of course. You seem worried.”
“The cop in me is asking the question, ‘What makes you think the occupants of that SUV were trying to kill you?’ That would be a logical question when trying to determine if lethal force was appropriate.”
“You saw their weapons on the road. You said so.”
“Did you see them?”
“The guys? Yes, I remember saying how ugly they were. I don’t remember weapons. No, I was too busy being scared. Besides, I was on the other side of the car.”
“So now you see why I’m glad there are weapons in that SUV. It would only have been my word. I could have imagined the whole thing and killed a couple of delivery men.”
“But you didn’t.”
“Yeah. I know. I made the right choice to save you and I. Protocol would have me wait until they fired first.”
“Sounds stupid to me.”
“in hindsight to me as well. Just let me do the talking.”
“I’ll say I saw the weapons.”
“No lies. Please. Listen, I hear sirens. You have any water? I sure could use some.”
“You better sit down, Larry. You aren’t looking so good.”
“Yeah, I feel a little dizzy.”
“Here lay down. Put your feet up on the running board. You are in shock again. The excitement is over, and your body is telling you to cool it.”
“Yes, this is better. Water?”
“Here you go, Duke.”
“Duke?”
“My hero.”
“Stop.”

 

 

Tuesday – Anything Possible – Kreative Kue # 219 by Keith Channing

~ John W. Howell ~ 47 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

Kreative Kue #219

 

The Flight by John W. Howell © 2019

“Well sir, just sit back and relax. We’ll be airborne in a few minutes.”

“I’m not sure about this.”

“Now, sir. You are as safe with me as if you are in your favorite chair in your living room.”

“That’s what I’m worried about. This is like a chair. You sure this thing can fly?”

“It is called a lightweight, sir. It flys like a bird.”

“But can it lift the two if us?”

“I have made hundreds of flights. Trust me, it can lift the two of us. In addition, we will have some friends join us.”

“On this thing. Now you are kidding me, right?”

“Not on this vehicle. Behind us.”

“Behind us?”

“Yes, we will be leading a flock of geese.”

“Geese? Aren’t a bunch of them called a gaggle.”

“Gaggle, flock. No matter. They will follow us for some exercise.”

“Why don’t they go on their own?”

“They think our ship is their mother.”

“Come again?”

“When they hatched, they saw my lightweight first. You know the old imprinting birds do. Well, the eggs were in a nest next to my plane, and the rest is history.”

“Is that them walking around.”

“Yup. You ready now?”

“I guess so.”

“Remember to lift up as we gain speed.”

“You’re kidding?”

“A little lightweight humor.”

“I’m not laughing.”

“Here we go. oops.”

“Oops? What’s oops?”

“Forgot the goose call.”

“Isn’t is like a honk.”

“No, I mean the device.”

“A problem?”

“Not really. You can make a goose sound, can’t you?”

“No. I have no idea how.”

“It’s okay. More lightweight humor.”

“Still not laughing. I see they are following us.”

“Yup.”

 

 

Views of the Neighborhood – Old Lakeway

~ John W. Howell ~ 59 Comments

Old Lakeway is geographically defined by the boundaries of the original 17 sections and first 1,000 acres of Lakeway, developed between October 1962 and April 1971, by Lakeway Land Co. In 2017, street signs, featuring the original Lakeway logo, were added at each intersection in the neighborhood delineating the area.

A neighborhood, tucked into a corner of the City of Lakeway, Texas, with a unique charm and history all its own. Characterized by narrow, winding streets, mature oaks, architecturally diverse homes, many with spectacular views, including Lake Travis, the Hill Country, and Live Oak, Lakeway’s first golf course.

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Once the home of people like astronaut Alan Shepard Jr., news anchor Dan Rather, and other prominent business people and professionals of the time, early Lakeway became one of the premier resort communities in the U.S. All that is Lakeway today, grew out of Old Lakeway.

OLD Lakeway

The Inn and Spa

Photo of the Pool and Lake Travis view from the spa.

Enterence to the spa

Enterence to the marina.

A quick shot of the marina through the trees.

The first home built in Lakeway in 1964.

The special signs attached to the street signs marking the Old Lakeway boundries.

The Live Oak Golf Club.

The so called Mushroom house built in 1979 and designed by the architect John Watson a Frank Lloyd Wright apprentice

Another view of the mushroom house.

Alan Shepard's house

The astronaut Alan Shepard’s vacation home. He would fly in and land at the Lakeway airpark on weekends to visit his home.

An example of one kind of house in Old Lakeway

Lakeway Patio Home Condominimums built in 1971 and the first in Texas.

Another example of an  Old Lakeway home.

Final example of the diverse archetecture of Old Lakeway.

If you care to read more here is more information about Old Lakeway. Thanks for the company.

LAKEWAY HISTORY*

A brief history of Lakeway……

  • 1937: construction on the dam started, 1941, New Deal project created Lake Travis
  • 1941: three men from Houston visited area looking for a hotel site
  • 1962: rancher Jack Josey showed his 2700 ranch on Lake Travis to same three men
    • They immediately took a 60-day option with plan to develop more than a hotel
  • 1962: (October), construction began on The Inn / partnership expanded to 10 men
  • 1962-1965: partnership bought 3,697 acres from Josey
  • 1963: (July 12) Grand Opening of The Inn and Marina
  • 1963: the airpark completed
  • 1964: first custom home built at 104 Highlander, owners become first permanent residents of Lakeway
  • 1965: (October 1) Live Oak golf coarse opened
  • 1967: (August 5) A major brush fire along Challenger near Hurst Creek prompts development of Lakeway Village Fire Department (est Dec 1968)
  • 1971: Lakeway Patio home condominiums section 1 is completed, becoming the first condominiums built in Texas (Kite St. at Lido)
  • 1971: (April 26) Gulfmont / Lakeway Land Co (Houston) sold its interest in Lakeway to Alpert Corp (Dallas)
    • 300 homes built and 1,000 acres developed at this time

*Source: A. Denys Cadman, and Byron D. Varner, “In the Beginning: A Brief History of Lakeway” Austin: Silverdale, 1981

For a more comprehensive history of Lakeway, visit the City of Lakeway website.

And a little about the Old Lakeway project.

EVOLUTION OF THE OLD LAKEWAY PROJECT

  • Started as an idea in 2015, the Old Lakeway Project was originally focused exclusively on the first 300 homes built in Lakeway, with the goal of recognizing those homes that still honored the original architect’s exterior design vision.
  • From that, was born the secondary project goal of building a neighborhood, and the current project goal was formed: “Preserving Lakeway’s history through its homes, and forming a neighborhood known as “Old Lakeway”.
  • The Old Lakeway neighborhood is defined as the first 17 Sections and 1,000 acres developed by Lakeway Land Company at the time they sold their interests in Lakeway on April 26, 1971.
  • The establishment of the Old Lakeway neighborhood includes more than the owners of the first 300 homes; we estimate 750 to 800 homes are a part of this defined neighborhood, however all of Lakeway will benefit from the preservation of this historically significant area.

The Old Lakeway Project currently has two goals:

  1. Recognize the first 300 homes built in Lakeway with an emphasis on those that retain the original architects’ exterior vision
  2. Build Lakeway’s first real neighborhood, known as “Old Lakeway”

….and have some fun connecting with neighbors in the process!

Stream of Consciousness Saturday – Prompt “

~ John W. Howell ~ 48 Comments

Stream of Consciousness

 

It is Stream of Consciousness Saturday time again and this weeks prompt is . . . Well, let’s have Linda explain.

“Your Friday prompt for Stream of Consciousness Saturday is “rhymes with rosy.” Find a word that rhymes with “rosy” or use the word “rosy” and base your post on it. Enjoy!”

Notice the word “enjoy”? So if you would like to enjoy this kind of writing experience, visit Linda’s blog and see how easy it is to get lost in your own enjoyment. Here is the link.

The Friday Reminder and Prompt for #SoCS May 25/19

Rhymes with Rosy by John W. Howell © 2019

“What are you doing now?”

“Looking for a word that rhymes with rosy.”

“Whatever for? Oh, wait you are doing that Linda Hill thing right?”

“Every Saturday I do the Linda Hill thing. Every Saturday, you wander in and ask me what I’m doing. Then we get into some kind of discussion where I end up looking like a fool. You would think you would get it by now.”

“That you are a fool?”

“No. That I’m doing  a prompt.”

“I just wondered since you have that big ole dictionary in your lap.”

“As I said, I’m trying to find a word that rhymes with rosy.”

“Why not just google it?”

“May violate the rules.”

“Too easy, huh?”

“Maybe.”

“How about posey. You know pocket full of posey as in ring around the rosy.”

“You  know where that poem came from, don’t you?”

“Uh. No. Tell me.”

“At the time of the black death, it was a rhyme describing circumstances. Flowers in the pocket to offset the smell of the dead and the ashes from burning corpses.”

“Come on, I hear that was a myth. You read that in the dictionary?

“No. Saw it on YouTube. Ring around the rosy, pocket full of posey, ashes, ashes, we all fall down.”

“Grim, I say. How about nosey. You could do something with that.”

“As in my nosey friend.”

“Very funny. Okay, try mosey. You know, let’s mosey down to the bar for a drink.”

“I like that one. You buying?”

“I didn’t mean it literally.”

“Of course not. Would be too cozy.”

“Gad. Let’s go. This is exhausting.”

“Yay. do you think Rosie is tending bar?”

“I certainly hope not. A nice Bob would be a break.”

“Killjoy.”

“Dork.”

 

Friday JohnKu – AKA – TGIF

~ John W. Howell ~ 57 Comments

Well, here we are on the cusp of a Memorial Day weekend. If we were at the coast, the store would have been visited, supplies laid in, and our loins girded for another onslaught. There would be drunks, illegal fireworks, bottles, and cans everywhere. A walk on the beach impossible without confronting, loose dogs, loud music, and city folks who believe littering is a God-given right.

But, we are not on the coast. We are in a quiet neighborhood where the cardinals and doves make up the bulk of the noise. Oh, sure there is a stray motorboat sound but nothing like a three-tier boombox putting out decibel levels to rival the Blue Angels at a five hundred foot flyover.

In short, we intend to honor those who made the mayhem at the coast possible. Those who felt a higher calling than the preservation of their own life.  We will remember those who sacrificed all to maintain the freedom we enjoy today. We will do this honor in an elegant way far from those who only thought is where they left the bottle opener for that illegal glass bottle of ale.

Today’s JohnKu talks about Memorial Day. I hope yours is filled with joy and remembrance of those who gave all of us the highest gift possible.

The sacrifice by John W. Howell ©2019

They never doubted,

But knew it was the right thing . . .

Eternally blessed.

Thursday – A Little Personal – Lucy and Twiggy Enjoy Freedom

~ John W. Howell ~ 91 Comments

Lucy and Twiggy

“Hey, Lucy. There is a backyard out here.”

“It’s been here the whole time, Little One.”

“Lucy, look. There is a fence all around.”

“I know. That is for your and my safety.”

“Race you.”

“OMG, you don’t stand a chance.”

“Yeah? You are going down you big ole moose.”

“Names won’t help you win, Potato.”

“Look at this dirt.”

“I hear we are getting grass soon.”

“My goodness. A lot of outdoor furniture.”

“Better not jump up on that couch, Lucy. Those paws look like asphalt.”

“What are you doing down there, Twiggy?”

“I’m practicing my puma approach to unsuspecting prey.”

“Bett do something to lower your butt. Looks like a white flag in the wind.”

“Tha grass can’t come too soon, Lucy.”

“That’s what Mom says, too, Little one.”

“Ah, fresh water. Fresh air. It doesn’t get any better than this.”

“After grass, it will get better. How do I get these mud pies off my feet?”

Wednesday Story Day – AKA – Hump Day

~ John W. Howell ~ 70 Comments
Twiggy and Lucy
“Do we need to get up, Lucy?”
“Let’s wait until the alarm goes off. I set it for Friday, Little One.”

 

It is Wednesday Story Time again, and last week we were stunned to witness Larry and Andrew being attacked by unknown subjects in a black SUV. We know Larry was hit by flying bullets and he and Andrew are attempting to slide down a berm to reach the access road below the freeway. We should get back to see how they faired.

 

“My gosh, you did it, Larry. Not sure the tires aren’t flat, but you got us on the access road.”

“I think the car is fine. Look back there and see if those guys are following us.”

“They would be crazy to take that slide. I don’t see them. Larry, you are bleeding.”

“Yeah, let’s pull over here and take a look.”

“Good idea. Let me get my kit too.”

“Your kit? You carry medical stuff?”

“I never leave home without my medical kit. You never know when it will be needed. Like now. Am I right?”

“I would have laughed at you, but now am quite impressed.”

“Let me see. Oh yeah, you have a nasty cut on your arm. I’ll be right back. Pop the trunk.”

“Should I hold the wound.”

“No. I’ll be right there. Leave it alone.”

“I’m not feeling so good.”

“Yeah, a bit of a shock getting shot.”

“Nice poem.”

“Huh? At least you still have your sense of humor. Get out of the car and come around to the passenger side.”

“Okay boss.”

“Now lay down and put your feet up on the door jam.”

“What’s this supposed to do.”

“You are a little shocky. You look pale, and your skin is clammy. Raising your feet will get the blood back in your head.”

“It does feel good to lay down.”

“Let me see. Hmmm.”

“What’s hummm?”

“I’m going to put some gauze with triple antibiotic on the wound.”

“How does it look.”

“Not bad. In fact, you were lucky. A few stitches and you’ll be good as new. You were grazed. I don’t see a hole. Just a big assed cut.”

“How about the bleeding?”

“You have great clotting factors. It is almost stopped.”

“Ruined my pants.”

“The least of your worries. Also, I think we better get out of here. If I remember right, there is an exit a couple of miles up the highway. Those guys could take it, turn around and head this way.”

“Okay. Let me up.”

“You want me to drive?”

“Might be a good idea.”

“Get in the car. Let’s check the GPS to find the nearest hospital.”

“Alright, you do the driving. I’ll do the navigation.”

“Fair enough. Oh, oh.”

“Oh, oh, what?”

“Look, what’s coming like a freight train straight for us.”

“It’s those guys again.”

“We are not going to outrun them this time.”

“We are not running. Time for a stand.”

“What are you going to do?”

“You forget, I am a peace officer. I have a piece that I want to share with them. Now get out of the car and go lay in that ditch.”

“I’m not leaving you.”

“Damnit, Andrew. Do as I say.”

“Going.”

“Run and dive.”

“That door isn’t going to protect you much.”

“No, but it sure holds my gun steady now get down.”

“You are going to shoot at those guys?”

“I have the advantage. The driver has to keep control of the car. The other guy has to aim out of the door. Watch when they get just a little closer.”

“I can’t hear you, Larry.”

“Good Andrew. Now five seconds more. Four…three…two…How do you like these apples you sons – a – bitches?”

 

 

 

Tuesday – Anything Possible Kreative Kue #21 by Keith Channing

~ 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.

Kreative Kue 218

Birdball by John W. Howell ©2018

“I still don’t get the idea of the game.”

“It is so easy. I’m surprised you don’t understand.”

“Could you give me one more tutorial?”

“Sure. In fact, I will also demonstrate the finer points.”

“That would be swell.”

“Okay, so the first thing you do is choose your bird. ”

“I have mine.”

“Good. Next, you take your position in the birder box.”

“That’s where you start, right?”

“That’s correct. Now keep your knees bent slightly and get ready to play.”

“This is the part that confuses me.”

“The play part or the knees bent part.”

“No the play part. I’m not sure what to do after the pitch.”

“Oh, now I get it. No one told you that you had to run to the stake over there behind you?”

“They did tell me that. They didn’t explain what happens as I’m running.”

“It is quite simple. You toss the bird. Then you run like hell. If you make the stake before the bird  you have scored a point.”

“So it is important to throw the bird as far as possible.”

“I would say it is critical.”

“What happens if the bird gets to the stake ahead of me.”

“See that’s just it. The bird is not going to race for the stake.”

“Oh?”

“No, you see dear he is racing for your hair. If he beats you he gets to tear your hair.”

“Tear my hair?”

“That is a figure of speech. He lands on your head.”

“With those talons? There is a danger that he could hurt me.”

“Now that you mention it. Yes, there is a danger here. I guess that’s why we don’t get many new members. Well, I see you’re up. Give ‘er a good toss now.”

 

Top Ten Things Not to Do at the opening of Grauman’s Chinese Theater in 1927

~ John W. Howell ~ 66 Comments

Grauman's Chinese Theater

 

Sunday marked the anniversary of the opening of Grauman’s Chinese Theater in 1927. The theater has been in continuous operation since then. The opening of the theater featured the premiere of Cecil B. DeMille’s King of Kings the story of the last five days of Jesus. If you have the luxury of traveling back to that time, take this list with you. It might save you a bit of trouble. Last week we talked about the first Academy Awards, so it looks like a return visit to Hollywood.

10 If you attend the opening, do not ask if you can buy a roll of Mentos. If you do, at best they will say, “never heard of them.” At worst, you have given away your time travel status. (Although you were too young or not on this Earth yet, Heike, but Mentos were introduced in the ’50s. Also, the theater did not start a concession stand until 1030. The usher has a funny look, and he is heading your way. Time to hit the Dusenburg.)

9 If you attend the opening, do not try to go under the velvet rope while Tiny the WWF champ is on usher duty. If you do, at best he will have taken his medicine today. At worst, he just came out of a briefing where the manager told the team to enforce the “no line cutting” policy at all costs. (I know it seems like you are pretty high up in the air, Heinz. Don’t worry, you will be coming down quickly after Tiny gets you outside. I would take a big breath if I were you.)

8 If you attend the opening, do not be overheard discussing the Star Wars premiere that was held here in 1977. If you do, at best the evesdropper will have no idea what you are talking about. At worst, the person listening is a conspiracy theorist and will report you to the cop standing by the entrance. (Good luck in explaining the term “Star Wars,” Hendrick. You might as well just hold out your hands and accept the cuffs with little fuss. You can always disappear later.)

7 If you attend the opening, do not ask that the volume be turned up. If you do, at best those around you will think you are joking. At worst, someone will get the idea that you are not from around here. (Since the film is silent, Henock you have raised suspicions. It presents a problem because you raised them during the crowd scene where the mob is getting out of control. Might be time to go.)

6 If you attend the opening, do not forget to check to see what Mary Pickford and Douglass Fairbanks look like. If you do, at best you’ll not run into them. At worst, one of them will ask for a light at the intermission, and you’ll have no idea who they are. (Now that you are on the front curb, Henrick you might recall they are not only present-day film stars but also part owners of the theater. Yeah, and both are narcissists as well. That’s why you were tossed out. Oh, and the fact you did not have a light helped make the decision to bounce you.)

5 If you attend the opening, do not leave your Dusenburg parked out front. If you do, at best the police will give you a warning. At worst, your precious antique will be hauled away to the impound lot. (Yes they did that back then, Henryk. Also, the front is reserved for Rolls Royces.)

4 If you attend the opening, do not attempt to pay for your ticket with your visa card. If you, at best the ticket taker will think you are joking. At worst, you will be trying to explain how a credit card can be used as money to the security guy who looks like Tiny’s brother. (Good luck explaining how the ATM backbone carries the financial information from the retailer to the bank. I think you are in hot water, Herald. The guy is talking about fraud charges. Oh, and keep that 21st-century money in your pocket too.)

3 If you attend the opening, do not sit behind the woman with the enormous hat. If you do, at best there will be another open seat. At worst, there are no seats, and you can’t see the subtitles on the screen. (Asking those around you what is happening will likely get a visit from the usher, Hermod. Even worse, a black eye.)

2 If you attend the opening, do not stand too close to a photographer if he is still using flash powder. If you do, at best, you might get dusty. At worst, you could catch a few sparks and lose your jacket. (There are some there using flashbulbs, Hesutu but those things tend to blow up and shoot glass everywhere. Needless to say, you don’t need to mention your iPhone flash.)

1 If you attend the opening, do not be tempted to take a couple of photos with your phone. If you do, at best you’ll cause a disruption. At worst, you’ll have people thinking you are from outer space. ( Go ahead and show Mary Pickford how lovely she is on your cell phone photo, Hiamovi. Once she comes to from fainting, maybe she won’t prosecute.)