Stream of Consciousness Saturday – Prompt – Watch

February 3, 2024February 2, 2024 ~ John W. Howell ~ 77 Comments

The coffee has been delayed. Checking my watch for the fourth time does not seem to help. Finally, within the bowels of the pesky machine, I hear the faint rumbles that assure me that soon the liquid soothing syrup will be streaming out of the spouts. Sure enough, here it comes.

After a deep sip, the mind thaws, and memory turns to the clock. The setting is simple, February 3, 1924. The place is Washington, DC. The duration is two hours. Checking my clothes before pulling the plunger ensures the dress is appropriate for February in Washington. No use freezing on my watch is the thought.

The plunger pull causes us to end up at 2340 S Street NW in Washington. There are uniformed police everywhere. Listening carefully to the officers, the cause of the commotion is Woodrow Wilson, the 28th President of the US from 1913 to 1921, has died. We are in front of his home, where he passed at 11:15 this morning.

President Wilson did have a stroke in 1919 that left him all but incapacitated. He and his second wife Edith and his doctor kept the public from knowing the absolute truth. It is said that Edith was, in fact, acting in Wilson’s absence. He retired from the Presidency in 1921.

The alarm sound precedes a trip to the couch. My phone tells me I have a text. It is from Linda Hill (who else?) It reads: Your Friday prompt for Stream of Consciousness Saturday is: “watch.” Use it as a noun or a verb; use it any way you’d like. Have fun!

If you want to see what other bloggers do with this prompt, visit Linda’s post at this link: https://lindaghill.com/2024/02/02/the-friday-reminder-and-prompt-for-socs-feb-3-2024/

“Wow, that Wilson thing was serious.”

“Yes, it was. There was no succession plan enacted.”

“if that were on my watch, I would have told someone.”

“The cabinet knew but went along with the President’s wishes.”

“Well, I’m glad nothing Earth-shattering took place.”

“The only thing that seemed to be affected was the ratification of the US membership in the League of Nations never happened.”

“Why was that?”

“Wilson, who favored joining, was too ill to negotiate his position, and those opposed in Congress had their way, so the US never joined. Maybe it didn’t matter after all since the League disbanded in 1946. So you may be right. Nothing Earth-shattering.”

“This political talk has made me thirsty.”

“You get thirsty when we aren’t even talking.”

“There’s Uber.”

“I don’t see it. Just that strange-looking truck.”

“That’s it. A vintage 1950s home delivery truck. Isn’t it sweet?”

“I guess you could call it sweet. I would love to know where you find these things.”

“Discount Uber is the place. I watch for the best specials.”

“Okay, I’m game. Let’s go.”

“One other thing.”

“Yes.”

“He has block ice to keep the milk cold.”

“And?”

“Hello. What else does very well when cold?”

“VooDoo Ranger?”

“Bingo.”

“You are the best.”

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

February 2, 2024February 1, 2024 ~ John W. Howell ~ 96 Comments

Today’s good news story comes from the Epoch Times. This story was sent to me by Noelle Granger. Thanks, Noelle. I have edited it slightly for length.

A picture designed by The Epoch Times using imagery from Nancy Feighan and Molly Shannon/Shutterstock.

‘I Don’t Ask for Anything’: Man, 81, Clears Snow From Neighborhood Sidewalks for Over 20 Years

By Louise Chambers 1/27/2024 Updated: 2/1/2024

An 81-year-old who has been clearing snowy sidewalks in his neighborhood for over 20 years refuses to accept cash donations, insisting he loves the snow and helping his neighbors.

Jimmie Sinatra grew up in Lakewood, Ohio, and bought a house with his wife in the area in 1995. That same year, he invested in his first snowblower. Soon, he upgraded to a Craftsman snowblower that he can walk behind and has been maintaining the prized apparatus ever since.

“I just like snow,” Mr. Sinatra told The Epoch Times. “I love playing in the snow, walking, and taking my dog for a walk in the snow, and I decided to do a couple of neighbors’ sidewalks. Then, when my wife and I talked about getting a bigger snowblower, I decided to go all the way up the block.”

Currently, Mr. Sinatra clears snow from about 34 sidewalks, and if there happens to be a school at the end of each block, he helps there, too, as he hates seeing kids walking in the snow.

Mr. Sinatra clears the streets when the snow reaches 5 or 6 inches deep. Initially, only his immediate neighbors knew that he was helping clear snow for the neighborhood, and those living further down the street had no idea about it. However, over the years, a couple of people have noticed his handiwork and have asked if he could clear their driveways, too.

“I don’t ask for money, I don’t ask for anything, I just do it to help the neighbors,” Mr. Sinatra said. “It’s something for me to do. I enjoy it, that’s all. I enjoy helping people.”

Before retiring in July 1998, Mr. Sinatra worked in the material handling department of the Ford Motor Company in Burke, Ohio, for 33 years. His beloved wife encouraged his snowblowing hobby until she passed away four years ago from Lou Gehrig’s disease.

“That’s the way she was too, helping our neighbors out,” said Mr. Sinatra, who has become a religious man since his wife fell ill. “I changed my ways and just prayed every day and every night,” he said. “I think I used to take everything for granted, but I don’t anymore because it’s all in God’s hands. … I know my wife’s spirit is in the house with me, and that’s what I live for.”

Mr. Sinatra’s routine: 34 sidewalks from the corner of Woodward Avenue and Hillard Road up to Delaware Avenue in Lakewood, Ohio. (Screenshot/Google Maps)

81-year-old Jimmie Sinatra. (Courtesy of Nancy Feighan)

At the age of 81, Mr. Sinatra has his own health problems. In May 2023, he was diagnosed with stage four chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) and emphysema in both lungs. He has trouble breathing so he wears a scarf to keep warm and carries an inhaler when he leaves the house to clear snow.

And, when he can no longer continue, he hopes that someone will take over and continue to clear the snow on the sidewalks and driveways of people who can’t do it.

“I have a lot of nice neighbors, and they take care of me and watch out for me, check up on me and make sure I’m okay because I’m by myself now,” said Mr. Sinatra, imploring: “If you see somebody that needs help, no matter what it is, give them a helping hand and don’t be afraid to do it. Just help your neighbors and your fellow man out.”

The good news in this story is one man took it upon himself to help his neighbors for the joy of doing so. Today’s JohnKu talks about joy. I hope you have a wonderful weekend.

Helping by John W. Howell

No one has to ask,

It is just the absolute . . .

Joy of helping out.

Thursday – A Little Personal – Twiggy in the Sunshine.

February 1, 2024February 1, 2024 ~ John W. Howell ~ 104 Comments

“Come on, Dad. The sun’s shining.”

“Okay, one second.”

“Alright. Heading for the rocks.”

“Don’t forget we put up a gate.”

“Oh yeah. Tell me again why you did that?”

“To prevent a certain bulldog from running on to them in pursuit of heaven’s know what.”

“But half the fun is running.”

“Given your propensity to hurt yourself, rock running is off limits.”

“Okay, I get it. Mmm, these black rocks feel good.”

“Keep your eye out for fire ants.”

“Fire ants? What are they doing here?”

“I’m not sure they are here, but we must be careful.”

“Man, this world is full of danger.”

“There are things that can hurt us for sure.”

“What else do we have to worry about?”

“Not too much else. The ants are little devils in the spring, especially after the rain we had.”

“So far, I don’t think there are any here.”

“How about we move to the turf. I know there are none there.”

“This sun sure feels good. I kinda like this no-worry zone.”

“You stay here, and I’ll go check for ants.”

“Did you find any?”

“Nope, it looks like we are good to go.”

“All this ant worry has me ready for a nap.”

“So, no more rocks?”

“There is always later or tomorrow.”

Tuesday – Anything Possible – Kreative Kue #417

January 30, 2024January 29, 2024 ~ John W. Howell ~ 80 Comments

In Keith’s words. “Using this image (below) as inspiration, write a short story, flash fiction, scene, poem; anything, really. Either put your offering (or a link to it) in a comment or email it to me at keithchanning@gmail.com before the end of the week. 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. Thank you for taking part.

Link to Keith’s post. https://keithchanning.wordpress.com/2024/01/29/kreative-kue-417/

The photo.

“Yeah, hello.”

“Is this Cover Mania?”

“Yeah, who’s calling?”

“Jason Killing, best-selling author.”

“Who?”

“You guys did a cover for my last thriller.”

“So I can find your file. What’s your phone number?”

512-555-5555.”

“Uh huh, and the last four of your socials?”

“6666.”

“Address?”

“12 Bird Dropping Lane.”

“That’s Waco, right?”

“Right.”

“What can I do for you?”

“I received your draft cover for my next book.”

“Okay.”

“It is beautiful, but I’m not sure you hit the mark.”

“What’s the problem.”

“The story is about a CIA agent who goes rogue.”

“And?”

“I don’t see how a cowboy on a horse in the desert with a lovely sunset fits the story.”

“Let’s think a moment. Where is your story located?”

“Las Vegas.”

“Okay, that’s out West in the desert.”

“But most of the action takes place in the city.”

“Doesn’t your character need to rest?”

“Um, I hadn’t thought about that.”

“How about a nice relaxing ride at sunset.”

“I suppose that could be worked in. But I think we need more action.”

“Life is so complex. Don’t you think people will look forward to a peaceful scene?

“But that’s not what the book is about.”

“Maybe a rewrite is in order.”

“I’ll have to think about that.”

“Don’t wait too long. I have a Sci-Fi author who needs a cover.”

The Top Ten Things Not to Say to an Opponent on the American Football Field

January 29, 2024January 28, 2024 ~ John W. Howell ~ 79 Comments

This was posted on January 26, 2016. Since we just finished the playoffs, this looks like good advice.

* * *

The inspiration for this list was this season’s NFL playoffs. There were enough punches thrown during the various games and enough trash talk to fill a stadium. Although I was not a party to any of the conversations, my imagination went to the point of asking the question, “What could one player say to another that would warrant an attempted punch to the nose. (I say attempted since most players are guarded by a facemask, and it would be tough to make a fist-to-nose contact.) Also, I know none of us play American football, but what if we did? I hope you enjoy the post since we are now in the last moments of this season.

The Top Ten Things Not to Say to an Opponent on the American Football Field

10 If you are on the football field, do not tell another player that you heard they were losing their Nike endorsement. If you do, at best, the player will think you are joking. At worst, the player will assume you have the endorsement and will try the fist-to-nose maneuver. (You know those endorsements don’t come easy.)

9 If you are on the football field, do not ask another player about last night. If you do, at best, you’ll get a stare. At worst, the player will assume you know something and will court a penalty to take you out. (Last night is something players never mention. Right?)

8 If you are on the football field, do not tell a player he looks cute on the jumbotron. If you do, at best, the player will avoid you for the rest of the game. At worst, the player will finally get that you wanted to tempt him to look continually at the jumbotron and will take you out with a chop block. (It was a good try and pretty funny when he went downfield for a pass and couldn’t take his eyes off himself.)

7 If you are on the football field, do not make fun of another player’s Ferrari color. If you do, at best, he will tease you about not having one. At worst, the player will start to become self-conscious about his choice of purple and take it out on you. (The dealer did call it Red Cassis, though)

6 If you are on the football field, do not mention the nasty tweet that the player made, which required a huge apology. If you do, at best, the player will give you a knuckle sandwich warning. At worst, just when you thought you were going to catch that game-winning touchdown, you wake up in the hospital instead. (Never saw it coming, did ya bunkie. Oh, and by the way, your team lost.)

5 If you are on the football field, do not ask a player if that is his mother in the stands. If you do, at best, he won’t have time to think about it and just smile. At worst, he will realize you are talking about his latest date and will make a tackle you’ll remember well into the next season. (You should always be respectful. Right?)

4 If you are on the football field, do not tackle a player and then say, “That was easy.” If you do, at best, the player will throw you off. At worst, you and the player will look like children on the playground punching each other on the ground in front of thirty million viewers. (Why won’t the press leave this one alone, you wonder?)

3 If you are on the football field, do not put your face mask into another player’s face mask and tell him he’s ugly. If you do, at best, you know a fist-to-nose attempt is on its way. At worst, you will wonder what happened right after your helmet went airborne and the lights went out. (No way to talk to a 350-pound tackle)

2 If you are on the football field, do not tell another player that you heard his Super Bowl ring is in a pawn shop. If you do, at best, you will be on the ground on the next play. At worst, you will be the center of attention on a time-out and cart ride back to the locker room. (Learned a lesson about finance, didn’t you)

1 If you are on the football field, do not tell another player that your agent is the same as his. If you do, at best, the game will be a series of who can outdo who. At worst, since you both behaved so poorly, your agent has now cut you both loose. (A bit of discretion could have avoided all this angst.)

Views of the Neighborhood – Lakeway Brown Bag Concert Series –

January 28, 2024January 27, 2024 ~ John W. Howell ~ 84 Comments

We are going to the Lakeway Activity Center for sizzling salsa dancing today. This is part of the Lakeway Arts Brown Bag Concert Series. The idea is to bring your lunch and enjoy the entertainment. We are catered by Nixta Taqueria of Austin. Our entertainment is Gloria Estefan with Daniel Rosas & Jasmin Benfreha.

Quesadilla- panela cheese (contains dairy). Add chorizo, chipotle mayo & avocado

Bean & cheese taco – panela cheese, duck fat refried beans (contains dairy)

Enchilada potosina taco – potato & chorizo purée, duck fat refried beans, shredded cabbage, roasted tomato salsa, queso enchilada (contains dairy)

44 farms all-beef frank, tomatillo onion relish, American cheese, ketchup, mustard (contains dairy)

Butternut squash salad – smoked butternut squash, currant vinaigrette, labneh, Nixta jardin herbs, pomegranate seeds, toasted sesame seeds, onions & pepitas, crispy sage, chile guajillo, and pequin (contains dairy and sesame seeds – vegan option available)

Salsa flight – 1oz serving of salsa cruda, salsa Morita, lacto-fermented hot sauce, creamy habanero. A delicious addition to chips, tacos, or tostadas! (contains fish sauce)

Cauliflower taco – roasted cauliflower, romesco, pine nuts, cilantro, queso fresco* (contains dairy, contains pecans & pine nuts – vegan option available)

Duck carnitas taco – duck confit, radish, shaved white onions, salsa cruda, cilantro (contains fish sauce)

Beet “tartare” tostada – roasted beets, avocado crema, salsa macha, horseradish, micro greens, lime (contains pecans & sesame seeds)

Tuna tostada – yellowfin tuna cured in citrus & tamari, avocado, chipotle aioli, microgreens, furikake (contains raw fish)

Picture of an old time school bus

So, Let’s hit it.

The Activity Center of Lakeway.

In the front doors.

The lobby of the center.

A blown glass exhibit on the left as we go into the ballroom.

Here we are with a couple demonstrating a dance.

Another couple takes the stage.

Start right off.

The old guys come alive.

Great form.

A slow one. Better for this crowd.

The Arts Council placed a red rose on each table, which was very nice.

While the dancers continue, let’s go outside and participate in the music and food. I hope you all have a terrific week.

Stream of Consciousness Saturday – “Make the Call”

January 27, 2024January 28, 2024 ~ John W. Howell ~ 81 Comments

A big gulp of coffee reaches the brain in less time than is reasonable to hope. With the cobwebs gone, it is time to fire up the clock. The choice is to continue to make 1923 mistakes or finally move into 1924. Someone needs to make the call, and it has to be me.

Okay, the clock is set for January 27, 1924. The location is Moscow and the time allowed is two hours. When the plunger is pulled, we find ourselves in Moscow. Dressed like it is Texas with flip-flops and shorts, the temperature turns my knees blue. It is currently -35 degrees F (-37 C), and someone should have reminded me that we need to dress for the destination and not the origin. Lesson learned for next time.

We are in Red Square, and thousands of people gathered for the state funeral for Vladimir Lenin, the co-founder of the Soviet Union. Lenin’s body is delivered to Red Square, accompanied by martial music. The crowds listen to speeches from Mikhail Kalinin, Grigory Zinoviev, and Joseph Stalin, but notably not , who had been convalescing in the Caucasus. Later, it is learned that Stalin had given Trotsky the wrong date for the funeral on purpose.

Lenin’s body is embalmed for long-term viewing and placed in a mausoleum on Red Square. He died on January 21, 1924, at 18:50, in Gorki, at age 53, after falling into a coma. The official cause of death was recorded as an incurable disease of the blood vessels.

As the funeral is completed, the alarm goes off, and back on the sofa is my destination. My test tone tells me Linda Hill has sent this week’s prompt. Here it is. Your prompt for #JusJoJan the 27th and Stream of Consciousness Saturday is: “make the call.” Use it as an idiom, or use it literally. Have fun!

To see what other bloggers have done with the prompt, visit Linda’s blog. Here is the link. https://lindaghill.com/2024/01/26/the-friday-reminder-for-socs-jusjojan-2024-daily-prompt-jan-27th/

“Wow. Lenin died 100 years ago.”

“Well, he was buried 100 years ago.”

“To be technical. Yes. Is he still there?”

“There was talk about taking him out of the mausoleum in 2018, but it didn’t happen. Yes, he is still there.”

“Well, that’s good. I guess someone had to make the call on that.”

“Yeah, that was Putin. He put his foot down.”

“I guess that would be the final foot.”

“I think it would. You ready for the pub?”

“Sure am. Uber’s already here. It’s in the parking garage.”

“Okay, let’s walk over.”

“Here we are.”

“You’re kidding?”

“It was this or a horse wagon. I had to make the call.”

“I guess it is better than a horse wagon. You know we could pay full price and get something comfortable.”

“What fun is that?”

“We doing lights and siren?”

“Is there any other way?”

“VooDoo Ranger, here we come.”

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

January 26, 2024January 25, 2024 ~ John W. Howell ~ 78 Comments

Today’s good news comes from station KDFW, which serves Dallas and Fort Worth, Texas.

Screengrab of Eban Barns from FoxNews 4

Royse City Boy Scout builds doghouses for Dallas Animal Services

by Lori Brown

ROYSE CITY, Texas – An eighth-grade Boy Scout from Royse City is working toward the prestigious Eagle rank by helping save the dogs’ lives in Dallas.

He built and delivered 20 dog houses to Dallas Animal Services this week to be given out to families in need.

Eben Barnes is only 13 years old but already making a big difference

“I really enjoy being around dogs, and I found out that they can be removed from their homes because they don’t have a shelter,” he said. “So I wanted to do a project for that so that dogs wouldn’t be removed.”

Eben reached out to Det. Michael Bono with the Dallas Police Department’s animal cruelty unit to find out how he could help animals in a city that is struggling with shelter overcrowding.

There are almost twice as many dogs in the shelter as there are in the kennels, forcing the shelter to euthanize adoptable pets.

“One of our biggest challenges we have in the animal cruelty unit is individuals that don’t provide a means of shelter,” Bono said. “Whether it’s they just don’t have the means to do so, or they choose not to. But animals in North Texas are at risk based on not having shelter.”

Eben researched how to build a doghouse, but that had its challenges. His prototype broke after the first try. He contacted businesses to collect donations for the supplies he needed.

Eben’s mom, Brooke Barnes, said she was proud of his perseverance.

“He sets a goal and sticks to it,” she said. “So to see him build the prototype, see him get everything organized, and then to see him oversee the work day and the delivery of the doghouses yesterday, it was really exciting.”

And now it’s 20 dogs that will soon have the excitement of their own.

“We’ve seen animals come in because the families just couldn’t provide,” Bono said. “And I think through Evan’s Eagle Scout project, he’s able to help 20 of those families.”

The hope is others will be inspired to follow Eben’s lead.

“I think Eben really nailed this project. I think the doghouses turned out excellent. I think it’s the tip of the iceberg,” Bono said. “I think a lot of other scouts and individuals could do this, and it could greatly impact the greater Dallas and North Texas area.

Eben has now completed all of the requirements to become an Eagle Scout. The next step is his board of review to verify his work.

The good news here is a young man saw a need and did what was necessary to satisfy that need. Today’s JohnKu talks about action. I hope you have a wonderful weekend.

There’s a difference,

Between just seeing a need . . .

And action to solve.

Thursday – A Little Personal – Twiggy Rain Day

January 25, 2024January 24, 2024 ~ John W. Howell ~ 120 Comments

“It’s still raining.”

“Yes, that is true, but it’s supposed to stop later.”

“How much later?”

“Let’s see. It looks like, after one o’clock, it will be light. You can go out then.”

“Paaallleeze. After one, I’ll have died from terminal boredom.”

“Oh, come on. You have enough toys to last several days. Go get the hedgehog burrow toy.”

“Okay, here it is. I already pulled out one of the little hedgehogs.”

“So there are two more. Get them out, too.”

“That’s one. No use hiding hedgehog. You gotta come out.”

“Now you’re talking.”

“I think a little tooth work is better than talking.”

“I have to agree.”

“Ha, so there it is. The last hedgehog.”

“You did it. Now go chase the burrow.”

“Nice throw, Dad. Under the couch for a degree of difficulty of 11 on a ten scale.”

“Sorry about that, but taking photos and throwing are not compatable actions.”

“Have no fear. The puma is here. Got the burrow from its burrow.”

“Good joke. Where are you going to take it?”

“Back to you, of course. You need the tossing practice.”

“You want the hedgehogs back in the toy?”

“I think an empty toy is enough of a challenge for you today.”

“Very funny.”

Tuesday- Anything Possible – Prompt – Kreative Kue # 416 by Keith Channing

January 23, 2024January 22, 2024 ~ John W. Howell ~ 67 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 your offering (or a link to it) in a comment or email it to me at keithchanning@gmail.com before Sunday evening UK time. 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. Thank you for taking part.”

Keith’s link. https://keithchanning.wordpress.com/2024/01/22/kreative-kue-415/

The photo.