It is Stream of Consciousness Saturday time again and this weeks prompt is “dough/d’oh.” Linda Hill says, “Use one, use both, use ’em any way you like. Enjoy!” Well, you heard her. If you would like to join in visit Linda’s blog and read how. Here is the link.
“It is a beautiful Friday morning, Little One.” “What should we do today, Lucy?” “The sky’s the limit, Little Potato. The absolute limit.”
Another Friday and just have to say time flies. This seems to be the big lament. I’m happy to report the washer, dryer, and refrigerator arrived and are installed. I’m pleased to say we will not have to eat salted game and fish anymore. Okay, maybe I exaggerate a little. We do have a fridge in the garage that has met our needs quite well. It just seems that everything you need is out there and everything you don’t need is in here. I think you get the picture. Also stumbling over two cars to get to a quart of milk is a little inconvenient.
We seem to be getting closer to more of the things we need. Once you have clean clothes and ice, there isn’t much else. Well, we still need a dining room table. Ours arrived with two broken legs. That meant going back and getting a new one. We are still not sure when it will come. The dining room chairs are a way off as well. We are fortunate to have a kitchen island where we can sit and eat. The island stools were some of the first things to arrive so we lucked out.
All in all, things are coming along. This week’s JohnKu talks about patience which is one thing we have learned to embrace. I hope you have a rewarding weekend.
“Yeah, it’s Wednesday, Little One. Friday will be here shortly.” “I got your back, Lucy.”
It is Wednesday Story Day again, and last week we learned that Janice was the beneficiary of a five-million-dollar insurance plan. We also discovered that Cortez had a similar policy on Alexis Rafferty as a critical member of his organization. Although Larry and Andrew were dismissed by Evon there is a lingering question on who would most benefit from Alexis’ demise. I see Larry and Andrew are in the car heading back to the station. I’m sure we want to hear what they have to say.
“Well, Larry that was a rather inelegant departure.”
“Yeah. Don’t remind me, Andrew. Do you believe Rafferty had ten million bucks riding on his head.”
“That is certainly a lot of money.”
“Yeah and I wonder who had the most to gain by seeing him dead.”
“Hard to say. Mrs. Rafferty would get five of the ten.”
“And Cortez the other five.”
“That’s right. Also, we learned that Rafferty didn’t want to sign that report.”
“Although it looks like he did.”
“Could be a forgery.”
“That would be worth checking for sure. So, if Rafferty didn’t want to sign the report and Cortez could get five million if he were no longer around, I say the scale of who would gain more tilts to Cortez.”
“Of course, that assumes he could collect.”
“What do you mean?”
“I think the insurance company is going to investigate the circumstances of the death and if they determine it is a homicide all bets will be off.”
“So, we need to contact that company and see where they are in their investigation.”
“I didn’t get the company’s name. Did you?”
“No, but I think when Evon gives me a call about Rafferty’s contract, I’ll ask him for it.”
“I have another idea. Let’s call that chief of police in South Tahoe and see if the company contacted him. Surely they would want to talk to the police.”
“Great idea. Also, in this way, we won’t tip our hand. You have genius tendencies, Andrew.”
“I just feel that the less contact we have with Janice and Evon the better.”
“You think they had something to do with the death?”
“I think we can call it murder given what we know now.”
“Okay, do you think they had something to do with the murder?”
“Five million bucks can be a big motivator.”
“See I think Rafferty alive would be able to make more than five million so I don’t agree with you.”
“You like Janice huh?”
“No. I mean that she could gain more if Rafferty were alive and working.”
“Unless there is another reason.”
“Like what?”
“Oh, like a boyfriend. Like marital discord. Maybe Rafferty had a girlfriend.”
“So, we need to check out Janice carefully.”
“And Rafferty. Cortez, we know could have done it.”
“Man, we have a lot to do.”
“You need to slow down. Nothing like a Boston police detective being given a ticket in the burbs.”
“You’re right. I’m pretty anxious to get back to the station and get to work.”
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.”
This post continues the Top Ten Things Not to Do against a historical background. In March of 1665, the establishment of the Newmarket course in Salisbury, New York, a section of what is now known as the Hempstead Plains of Long Island is recognized as the start of thoroughbred horse racing in the United States.
If you plan to travel back to witness this event the following is a list that may help guide your appropriate behavior.
Top Ten Things Not to Do at the First Horse Race in America in 1665
10 If you are at the first horse race, do not ask about the missing bugle First Call to the post. If you do, at best no one will know what you are asking. At worst, someone will hand you a bugle and demand you play it. (Since the First Call was used beginning in the 1860s to signal that the race is ten minutes away, it doesn’t matter what you play, Gavin. Just know that whatever it is will be used throughout history. I think I would hand the bugle back and tell them you don’t play it.)
9 If you are at the first horse race, do not try to get close to the favorite if Tiny the WWF champ is the groom. If you do, at best Tiny will just push you away. At worst, Tiny just left the owner’s office with the instructions to keep everyone away at all costs. (What you should know about Tiny, Gavril is “at all costs.” does not include considering your welfare as precious. I would begin moving toward the door and for heaven’s sake don’t make eye contact with Tiny.)
8 If you are at the first horse race, do not ask for a program or schedule of races. If you do, at best you will be laughed out of the track. At worse the track owner might think you are going to start your own racetrack and are nothing but a spy. (The fact that the track owner is the national bull wrestling champ and is known for his lack of sense of humor means you should probably begin to find a route of escape, Gaylin.)
7 If you are at the first horse race, do not ask for special seats in the clubhouse. If you do, at best you will be shown a stool in the barn. At worst, you’ll give some entrepreneur a bright idea on how to make money without a horse. (Even today, thanks to you, Gearoid, the racetracks have figured out how to charge for deluxe seats while making those who pay through the nose feel special.)
6 If you are at the first horse race, do not dress like you were going to the Ascot in coat and tails. If you do, at best someone will ask you for a drink order. At worst you might be mistaken for the town crier and be asked to repeat the latest news. (Now how are you going to explain what is going on around here, Gelasius? You just arrived twenty minutes ago.)
5 If you are at the first horse race, do not order a mint julep. If you do, at best the barkeeper will think you are drunk. At worst, you’ll get all involved in trying to explain Kentucky whiskey, mint and Ice. (Now everyone is asking questions about where you are from and how you know anything about Kentucky whiskey, Geoffroy. They also want to know what Kentucky whiskey is anyway.)
4 If you are at the first horse race, do not ask where you can find the two dollar window. If you do, at best you will be directed to Seth the carpenter. At worse, when they figure out you intend to bet on the race you will become the first bookie in American history. (Too bad you don’t know anything about betting, Geralt. When you gave twenty to one odds on old Paint you never expected him to win, did you? I think I would push the “home,” button on that fancy time traveler of yours.)
3 If you are at the first horse race, do not accuse the jockey of your losing horse of throwing the race. If you do, at best he won’t hear your accusation. At worst, he will slap you with a glove. (Now the glove didn’t hurt, but you have come to realize, Gergo, you have been invited to a sword party known as a duel. Sorry, Tiny is not interested in being your second or stand-in. Let’s hope those fencing classes in college come in handy.)
2 If you are at the first horse race, do not believe those who tell you that “The Kings Ride.” is a sure thing. If you do, at best you only lost two dollars. At worst, you bet the farm. (What is funny, Germanus, you don’t own the farm. Look over there. See that big guy with the red face. It’s his farm and now wants a piece of you.)
1 If you are at the first horse race, do not bet on a horse because it has a funny name. If you do, at best you might win. At worst, Mymotherinlaw’sunderwear decides to finish last. (Yes it was a funny name, and it is a good thing you didn’t bet a lot, Gerrell. I hope you know that you now own the horse since you were the only one to claim it in the claiming race. Hope time travel is possible for a horse.)
A lot of things are made of rock around here because it is plentiful. I noticed some substantial mailbox’s around the place, so I decided to take some photos of them to share with you.
We do have some squirrels in the neighborhood. Here is a tribute to them.
I haven’t seen any owls yet, but I’m sure they are here.
Looks like a cactus garden and a cactus statue. These guys must love cactus.
This one is unusual. A cup with lips. I could see fighting for coffee in the morning
Here is a burro with horns. (It could also be Bevo the mascot of The University of Texas which is located in Austin. I’ll bet that is it)
Here is a majestic elk standing on an ordinary mailbox.
A parrot. Must be an homage to a family pet. Of course, there are parrots in Austin. I just haven’t seen any around here.
It is Stream of Consciousness Saturday and this weeks prompt is…well let’s let Linda Hill explain it. Her words. “Your Friday prompt for Stream of Consciousness Saturday is “the last piece of mail you received.” Talk about the subject of the last piece of physical mail you received, i.e., a gas bill–talk about gas, not the bill itself. Have fun!”
So the last piece of mail I received was from Blue Cross announcing a 6% increase in my premium. Not very exciting stuff like a Publisher Clearing House $7,000 a week for life but it will have to do. If you would like to join in and have as much fun visit Linda to read up on how easy it is. Here is the link.
I am very pleased to welcome D.L.Finn to Fiction Favorites on this TGIF Friday. She is launching her first book of poetry and it is great to have her here to tell you about it.
Thank you, John, for having me on your blog to celebrate today’s release of my first poetry book, “Just Her Poetry Seasons of a Soul.”
Finn Facts:
Snowstorms distract me, and I don’t get much writing done.
My mind wanders into the land of writing when I cook. I burn a lot of dinners.
Blurb:
Take a journey with D.L. Finn as she blends her love of nature with her deepest emotions. Sit with her on the forest floor observing its tranquil beauty, or stroll along the ocean’s shore admiring the vastness of its horizon. Here in these peaceful moments, you’ll be able to experience her thoughts and feelings in the light—and in the darkness. This is a thought-provoking collection of poetry that invites the reader into all the seasons of a soul.
D.L. Finn is an independent California local who encourages everyone to embrace their inner child. She was born and raised in the foggy Bay Area, but in 1990 relocated with her husband, kids, dogs, and cats to the Sierra foothills in Nevada City, CA. She immersed herself in reading all types of books, but especially loved romance, horror, and fantasy. She always treasured creating her own reality on paper. Finally, being surrounded by towering pines, oaks, and cedars, her creativity was nurtured until it bloomed. Her creations vary from children’s books, young adult fantasy, and adult paranormal romance to an autobiography with poetry. She continues on her adventures with an open invitation for her readers to join her.
“Friday Little Potato. Put down the stick and live a little.”
Friday already? Someone needs to slow this spaceship down. We have had a busy week in the non-writing department. The fence guy checked in. The remove the brush from the lot guy checked in. The sofas were delivered. The refrigerator, washer, and dryer are scheduled for delivery next week. The utilities are going to mark their underground lines before the fence guy arrives. All in all a productive week.
A little later today, I will be hosting D. L. Finn who is introducing a new book. Today’s JohnKu talks about how we authors need to help one another. I hope your weekend is the best.
It is Stream of Consciousness Saturday time again and this weeks prompt is “dough/d’oh.” Linda Hill says, “Use one, use both, use ’em any way you like. Enjoy!” Well, you heard her. If you would like to join in visit Linda’s blog and read how. Here is the link.
