Tuesday – Anything Possible – Finger Point Prompt – “Good Deed”

July 14, 2026July 13, 2026 ~ John W. Howell ~ 37 Comments

Today, I randomly opened Eternal Road – The final stop to page 155, and with eyes closed, pointed to the page. My finger fell between two words, ” good” and “deed.” I decided to use both.

“As you know, in our troop, one must do a good deed each day.”

“Yes, I know that. What do we consider a good deed?”

“A good question. Let’s just say a good deed is helping another.”

“Another question.”

“Go ahead.”

“What is helping?”

“I would say making life easier for another.”

“Easier?”

“For instance. You see someone struggling with their kid. You offer to help.”

“Don’t you think if someone is struggling with a kid, it’s their own problem?”

“That’s the point. You make other people’s problems your problem. The ultimate good deed.”

“I just hope I don’t come across someone with a kid problem.”

“Well, what if you do?”

“I will try to do a good deed.”

“That a boy.”

“In fact, I will suggest that they stick that joey in their pouch where it belongs.”

“Let me know how that works out for you.”

“So I’m going to hop over to the watering hole to see who needs a good deed.”

“Watch out for that pack of dingos”

Top Ten Things Not to Do if You Are Entering King Tut’s Tomb.

July 13, 2026July 12, 2026 ~ John W. Howell ~ 66 Comments

This post is a continuation of the Top Ten Things Not to Do with a historical background. In 1922, the entrance to King Tutankhamen’s tomb was discovered in Egypt. It first ran on November 9th 2018

Top Ten Things Not to Do if You Are Entering King Tut’s Tomb.

10 If you are entering King Tut’s tomb, do not ignore the curse written on the main door. If you do, at best, it is just a practical joke. At worst, that look in the mirror ten days later will give you a hint you should have paid attention. (That dry skin mummy look is trying to give you a heads up to a problem, Faer. Better contact a shaman quickly.)

9 If you are entering King Tut’s tomb, do not disturb that cloth-wrapped hulk with the WWF champion belt. If you do, at best, it is just a statue. At worst, the spirit of Tiny the WWF champ has been waiting centuries to body slam an opponent. (Well, you woke it up, Fagen. I think you should start looking for a soft landing spot.)

8 If you are entering King Tut’s tomb, do not try any of the preserved food in those gold pots. If you do, at best, the food will be dust. At worst, those pickles will have a monumental repeat factor. (Stay close to the facilities, Faine. You just never know.)

7 If you are entering King Tut’s tomb, do not sit on any of the furniture. If you do, at best, you’ll pick a solid piece. At worst, you’ll sit in a 4000-year-old chair that has seen better days. ( No need to try putting it back together, Fane. That priceless antique is now sawdust, and the curator is preparing a bill for you right now.)

6 If you are entering King Tut’s tomb, do not touch the king’s sarcophagus with your bare hand. If you do, at best, a layer of dust will protect the finish. At worst, the oils from your skin will leave a permanent handprint on the priceless relic. (You may need to confess, Faraz. The CSI is now running the print through an identification process, which is bound to lead to you.)

5 If you are entering King Tut’s tomb, do not pull any lever that you may come across. If you do, at best, the lever is not connected. At worst, the lever is connected to the trap door under your feet. (Falling through the dark is pretty scary, huh, Farnham. Wait until you hit bottom.)

4 If you are entering King Tut’s tomb, do not think you can take a souvenir. If you do, at best, the security guy will tell you to put it back. At worst, you will get it home only to discover several Boris Karloff types hanging around your bedroom. (Don’t worry about these guys being see-through, Farquhar. At least they can’t hold a knife.)

3 If you are entering King Tut’s tomb, do not forget a flashlight (electric torch). If you do, at best, someone else may have one. At worst, you’ll try using a cigarette lighter and end up falling into the coffin with the king. (You can stop screaming now, Farren. The king is not holding you down. That cover merely slammed shut. Of course, that click sound is troublesome)

2 If you are entering King Tut’s tomb, do not take a selfie with the king. If you do, at best, the picture won’t turn out. At worst, when you look at it, the picture will have some other characters in it that you never saw. (I’m not saying the place is haunted, Farrokh but you now have captured the souls of the king”s guards. Good luck with that.)

1 If you are entering King Tut’s tomb, do not bring your Big Gulp drink inside. If you do, at best, it will be gone before you set it down. At worst, you will set it where someone will knock it over into the King’s sarcophagus. (History records some unknown substance all over the king, Fars. Your secret is safe with us.)

Views of the neighborhood – Lakeway – Butler Rough Hollow Park Groundbreaking

July 12, 2026July 11, 2026 ~ John W. Howell ~ 69 Comments

Today, we are attending the groundbreaking for the new Butler Rough Hollow Park in Lakeway.

The new park will include an amphitheater featuring limestone-block seating built into the hillside, facing a concrete stage area. Other features include a mountain bike course, bank-shot play court, multisport field, playground, ninja course, pavilion, restroom facilities, picnic tables, and benches.

A backstop and fence, baseball bases, portable benches, and portable soccer goals will be installed in the multisports field. The playground will include integrated shade, roller slides, swings, and multiple play levels for all ages. We are catered by Jefferys of Austin, and our entertainment is Spanky and Our Gang.

Veal medallions américaine – crawfish in sauce américaine fava beans, lardo & onion soubise
Roast guinea fowl – truffle mousseline, morel mushrooms, fiddlehead fern & buttered herb jus
Long Island Duck breast – sweet red California cherries, hakurei turnips, Moroccan spiced sauce
Alaskan halibut – spring ramp nage, beech mushrooms, caviar, crème fraîche
Red snapper â la barigoule – chorizo-encrusted snapper, poached fennel & spring vegetables
Roasted turnip – wood roasted turnip, kale furikake, carrot ginger-miso broth

16 oz Colorado rack of lamb, served with mint jelly
16 oz tomahawk pork chop, served with truffle butter

Let’s go

The welcome tent.

Visitors to the event can take a sapling home.

Cookies and water.

The shovels are waiting for the official moment. The big guy on the right has the day off.

Good attendance.

The gang of seven. From left, Parks and Recreation Director Andrea Bennett, City Manager Joseph Molis, City Council Member Kent O’ Brian, Mayor Tom Kilgore, Forester Richard Leon, Council member Wes Hook, Assistant Director Parks and Recreation Ricky Gavett.

The ground is broken.

The map of the finished park in the summer of 2027.

We have our red oak tree, and now it is time to relax with music and Food. I hope you have a great week.

Stream of Consciousness Saturday – Prompt – Jelly

July 11, 2026July 10, 2026 ~ John W. Howell ~ 52 Comments

A piece of sourdough toast with peanut butter and grape jelly will go well with coffee this morning. The machine gives out a full mug with no complaint, and the toaster follows suit. The first sip of coffee stops the pile-driver effect in my brain from being triggered by dangerously low caffeine levels. Of course, the second sip is accompanied by the crashing sound of a full tray of dishes on a tile floor, which is the combination of the Westminster doorbell and the two four-legged warning barks of Twiggy and Tempeste. A toss of a big bone into the soundproof room and a door slam brings back precious peace.

A glance at the security monitor tells me I am graced with a visit from Roger Rabbit. He has an envelope and a clipboard, so conversation is fruitless. With a sigh, the security shutdown process begins.

The B-2 bomber squadron and the F-35 escort must be called off. One call does it. The tank corps and gunboats are told to stand by. The Apache helicopters are rerouted. The electric shock fence is turned off. The drawbridge over the quicksand is lowered. The robot attack dogs returned to their charging station. The laser-guided machine guns on the roof are set to caution. The nest filled with rattlesnakes put away. The bucket filled with 1000 marbles is locked down. The tear gas canisters shut off. The electrified welcome mat set to off. The fall-away sidewalk into the pit filled with spikes is locked. The hornet’s nest closed. The water cannons are set to safety. Bear traps are set to off. Peregrine Falcons perched on the roof above front door fed. The vat of boiling oil set to warm. The front door is opened.

Roger hands me the envelope and the clipboard. Keeping the envelope and returning the clipboard with a fiver attached. ” Control what you can and let go of the rest,” is my other tip. The envelope has a message from Linda Hill. It reads: Your Friday prompt for Stream of Consciousness Saturday is “jelly.” Use it any way you’d like. Enjoy!

To see what others have done with the prompt, visit Linda’s post. Here is the link: https://lindaghill.com/2026/07/10/the-friday-reminder-and-prompt-for-socs-july-11-2026/

“Roger Rabbit. I haven’t thought about that character in ages.”

“Brings back a memory ot two.”

“Like about Jessica?”

“Well.. Yes.”

“She was a favorite of mine, too. I liked your words of advice.”

“Been useful to me for quite a while.”

“You know what’s useful to me?”

“Let me guess. VooDoo Ranger.”

“You are a genius.”

“Uber?”

“Over there.”

“Goodness. A 1970 300 TD. At least there is enough room for both of us.”

“There is one thing.”

“Of course, there is. What is it?”

“We need to help the owner remove the rust.”

“What? That could take weeks.”

“No we’ll just work on that spot under the left side of the rear window.”

“Above the 300 TD?”

“Yup. That’s it.”

“That doesn’t sound bad.”

“It’s not. Here, take these goggles and respirator.”

“What are those for?”

“The sand blaster.”

“Huh?”

“Yeah, the sand blaster makes a lot of dust.”

“I’ve never done a sandblaster before.”

“Nothing to it. Just aim at the rust, and the machine does the rest.”

“What are you going to do?”

“Stand behind the protective glass barrier.”

“Why?”

“So I don’t get hit.”

“Why aren’t you doing the sandblasting?”

“Hey. I arranged the car. Takes these overalls and this blaster. We need to get going.”

Friday JohnKu – AKA – TGIF – FriYay/Good News

July 10, 2026July 9, 2026 ~ John W. Howell ~ 61 Comments

The Nature Conservancy. BirdReturns: Creating Dynamic Habitat for Migratory Birds. The Nature Conservancy California

Today’s good news comes from @Massimo on X. Thanks to Noelle Granger for sending it to me.

U.S. farmers are intentionally flooding their fields to revive ancient “prairie potholes,” creating temporary “pop-up” wetlands that deliver a huge boost to migratory birds while improving soil health.

In regions like California’s Central Valley and the Mississippi Delta, innovative programs—most notably BirdReturns (launched by The Nature Conservancy in 2014)—pay farmers to strategically flood low-lying or post-harvest fields at precise times during bird migrations. These short-term wetlands mimic the natural prairie potholes and seasonal marshes that once dotted the landscape but were largely drained for agriculture.

By timing floods to align with peak migration periods (e.g., spring and fall for shorebirds, waterfowl, and sandhill cranes), farmers provide essential stopover habitat: shallow water, mudflats, and abundant food for millions of birds traveling along flyways like the Pacific Flyway. The approach has transformed tens of thousands of acres of working farmland into critical refueling stations, with studies showing dramatic increases in bird use and numbers—sometimes 3.5 times higher in these managed pop-up wetlands compared to standard fields.

Farmers also gain practical benefits. Seasonal flooding enhances soil structure, boosts nutrient cycling (as bird activity and water help break down residues), recharges groundwater, reduces erosion, and supports long-term land productivity—often without hurting crop yields in subsequent seasons.

The good news in today’s story is an active program to help birds during their migrations while helping the soil as well. Today’s JohnKu talks about assisting nature. I hope you have a lovely weekend.

Times present themselves,

To extend a helping hand. . .

Do not miss the chance.

Thursday – A Little Personal – Twiggy and Tempeste Indoors on a Hot Day

July 9, 2026July 8, 2026 ~ John W. Howell ~ 92 Comments

I’m sorry for the goof-up yesterday. Tempeste jumped up on the couch while I was working on the post, and poof, the post was published. It was far from finished, so I had to take it down. Sorry for any confusion.

“Ladies. Today is going to be a hot one, so it’s indoor play for you two.”

“Indoors like the whole day?”

“No, but for the majority.”

“So, Twiggy. What should we do?”

“Well, first I think we ought to take it easy and do some quiet toy play.”

“Quiet toy play? What the heck does that mean?”

“It means we each get a toy and amuse ourselves.”

“That sounds boring. How about the panther stalks the puma?”

“We can do that later.”

Oh, come on. The panther lies low, watching the unsuspecting puma while it eats a marshmallow.”

“The puma knows the panther is there but chooses to ignore her.”

“Gee whiz. I thought we could get something going.”

“I had just started on this marshmallow when dad came in, so I would like to finish it.”

“Okay then. I can take a hint. I wonder if I should play with Chicken Licken or Hello Kitty?”

“Either one is a good choice. Cookie is over there, too.”

“Yeah, I need Dad to play with cookie. I think he is outside.”

“I’m sure he would come in to play with you.”

“He’s got a hose and is cleaning something. Best to leave him alone.”

“Well, you’ll just need to pick another toy.”

“The Panther stalks Chicken Licken.”

“The puma gets ready for some kind of ruckus.”

“The panther drags its prey toward the lair of the puma.”

“The puma tries her hardest not to roll her eyes.’

“The panther prepares to climb the mountain and devour her prey.”

“The puma tells the panther not to talk wth her mouth full.”

“The panther laughs out loud.”

“The puma joins her.”

Tuesday – Anything Possible – Finger Point Prompt –

July 7, 2026July 7, 2026 ~ John W. Howell ~ 55 Comments

Today I randomly opened Detour on the Eternal Road to page 175. With eyes closed, I pointed to the page. The word closest to my finger is salutes. This is our prompt today.

“How many salutes did you say?”

“21 gun salutes.”

“Whoa, that’s a lot of salutes.”

“I know, so I would keep my head down if I were you.”

“You’re not kidding. You don’t have to worry about me.”

“I do worry since you seem to get into more trouble than most.”

“What are these salutes for, anyway?”

“Someone is celebrating a birthday.”

“Are they having a big party?”

“I suppose.”

“We weren’t invited?”

“Afraid not.”

“That’s pretty cold.”

“Well, we don’t know the person.”

“Yeah, but they are doing salutes in our neighborhood. Shouldn’t we be invided to attend?”

“I’m not sure they would want us there.”

“Why not?”

“Humans don’t like us very well.”

“What? Given how cute we are?”

“Maybe it’s the rattles or the poison. Who can say?”

“Well I think it’s rude.”

Top Ten Things Not to Do When William Tell Shot the Apple Off His Son’s Head in 1307

July 6, 2026July 5, 2026 ~ John W. Howell ~ 43 Comments

This post continues the historical backdrop for the Top Ten Things Not to Do. If you were there at the time, there are ten things that you should take care not to do. This post ran on November 19, 2018

Top Ten Things Not to Do When William Tell Shot the Apple Off His Son’s Head in 1307

10 At William Tell’s archery challenge, do not sneeze at the critical point when he takes aim. If you do, at best, William will bless you with a Gesundheit. At worst, your sneeze will throw him off, and you will be the next in line for the apple shot. (Lucky for you, he missed his son’s head, Flavien. Now it is your turn, and William looks very angry.)

9 At William Tell’s archery challenge, do not ask Tiny the WWF champ to stand in for you. If you do, at best, Tiny will eat your apple. At worst, Tiny, who just left the Apple Shot Near-Miss veterans support group, will be traumatized by the offer. (Tiny works out his trauma by doing body slams, Florian. I think you’d better start looking for a soft place to land.

8 At William Tell’s archery challenge, do not start humming the William Tell Overture. If you do, at best, someone will like the tune. At worst, you may be accused of being a warlock since Rossini did not write it until 1829. (A couple of dips in the dunking chair will help clear that music out of your head, Florian. Can’t imagine why you would give in to an earworm anyway.)

7 At William Tell’s archery challenge, do not fail to bow in respect to the hat that the newly appointed Austrian Vogt, Albrecht Gessler, has placed on a pole. If you do, at best, no one will see you not bow. At worst, you will be arrested for not doing the same thing William Tell did not do. ( I hope you know how to shoot a crossbow, Fonzo. It looks like you have to hit a crabapple off of Tiny’s head. If you miss, Tiny will be very upset. Especially if you hit him.)

6 At William Tell’s archery challenge, do not wear your Austrians Suck t-shirt. If you do, at best, the Austrians will think you are joking. At worst, the Austrians will think you are a leader of the Swiss independence movement. (Now you’ve done it, Forseti. The next time you see daylight, it will be at your hanging. Enjoy the brief view.)

5 At William Tell’s archery challenge, do not open a stand and begin selling Swiss chocolate. If you do, at best, the Austrians will like the chocolate. At worst, your chocolate will be declared contraband, and you will be declared a revolutionary. ( I told you to stick with Speckknödel, Francesco. Now look at the fine kettle of fish you’ve gotten yourself into.)

4 At William Tell’s archery challenge, do not ask William for his autograph. If you do, at best, he will blow you off. At worst, he might give you to the count of five to see if you can outrun a crossbow bolt. (Don’t forget, Frandscus, William just shot the apple off his son’s head. I don’t think he thinks of himself as a hero.)

3 At William Tell’s archery challenge, do not offer William a contract to take his apple shooting show on the road. If you do, at best, William will be in a good mood and ignore you. At worst, William will sign the agreement with the understanding that you will have the apple on your head. (Well, a contract is a contract, Frannsaidh. Looks like you are signed up for a thirty-city tour… or one depending.)

2 At William Tell’s archery challenge, do not start selling T-Shirts that say I’m the Apple of my Daddy’s Eye. If you do, at best, William won’t see them. At worst, William’s sense of humor will have hit an all-time low, and your T-shirts pushed him over the edge. (Looks like those shirts are going to make a nice bonfire, Franziskus.)

1 At William Tell’s archery challenge, do not start taking odds on whether William will hit the apple or his son. If you do, at best, no one will tell him. At worst, William will find out about your activities and come looking for you. (I would stay under that table, Frazier. I don’t think you want to explain yourself right now.)

Views of the neighborhood – Summer blooms

July 5, 2026July 5, 2026 ~ John W. Howell ~ 89 Comments

Today, we are cruising the neighborhood to view the crepe myrtles and a few other flowers. We are catered by Ember Kitchen of Austin, and our entertainment is Glenn Frey.

Plantain Stack -Buttermilk Pancakes, Plantains, Whipped Cream, Plantain Pecan-Infused Syrup

Churros Toast – Dulce de Leche French Toast, Brioche Bread, Candied Pecan Multi-Grain Crunch, Piloncillo Strawberry Syrup, Fresh Strawberries, Mint

Ember Steak & Eggs – 8 oz Filet Mignon, Enchilada Sauce, Eggs “Your Way”, Black Beans

Chorizo Hash – Ground Chorizo, Diced Red Peppers, Poblano Peppers, Shallots, Beef Fat Potatoes, Egg, Salsa Dona, Hollandaise

Chilaquiles – Red Chile Sauce, Corn Tortilla Chips, Lime Crema, Eggs, Cilantro, Avocado

Wagyu Steak – 10 oz Market Cut, Ember Tortillas, Grilled Fennel & Onions, Salsa Dona

Josper Chicken – Orange and Guajillo Brine, Pollo ala Brasa, Achiote Chimichurri

Josper Burger – 8 oz Akaushi Wagyu, Oaxaca Cheese, Escabeche, Chipotle Aioli, Pork Belly, Brioche Bun

Come on. We have commandeered the Windsor Fife and Drum Corps bus.

The Producer’s photo of a gardenia while walking with Twiggy.

Red and purple crepe myrtles.

A while crepe myrtle.

A pink crepe myrtle (R), esperasza (L), baby sage (lower R), and magnolia (background)

Another pink.

A beautiful white.

The sage beside our driveway.

The Producer’s hibiscus (R) and cone flower (L) with vinca in the middle.

Okay, how did she get in here? Shussssh. Let sleeping dogs lie.”

A giant purple crepe myrtle.

A large lilac-colored crepe myrtle.

A beautiful pink crepe myrtle.

Time now to enjoy the music and food. I hope you have a lovely week.

Stream of Consciousness Saturday – Prompt – “Spark” – Happy Birthday America

July 4, 2026July 3, 2026 ~ John W. Howell ~ 53 Comments

From Linda Hill: Your Friday prompt for Stream of Consciousness Saturday is “spark.” Use it any way you’d like. Have fun!

Since it is the Fourth of July and time to celebrate the birth of the USA, I’m going to suspend my usual silliness to wish you a Happy 4th and hope that a spark of gratitude and pride touches each American today.