Stream of Consciousness Saturday – Prompt – Icing on the Cake

January 22, 2022January 21, 2022 ~ John W. Howell ~ 69 Comments

The espresso machine needs the dregs drawer emptied before making another cup. During the process, it occurred to me that this was Saturday, so I should be getting a prompt from Linda Hill’s blog. Waiting for my first cup had my mind spinning with the possibilities of what that prompt could be. Having a hot, steaming cup of joe in my hand while waiting would just be icing on the cake. Finally, it was ready, and my first instinct was to breathe in the vapors to capture that godlike aroma that only fresh brewed coffee can deliver.

The first sip had me looking out the back, anticipating a falling safe or an ACME rocket. Three more sips and nothing. It was time to go to the front. I checked the Ring camera, and there was no motion or anything else recorded. The image on my phone looked like it was taken underwater. Glancing at my watch gave me cause for concern. The prompt should have been here by now. Another sip, and I had to venture outside to double-check.

Opening the front door became a challenge in that the lock appeared to be frozen. First, a sip and then a hard pull to free the door. The door came open, and I was treated with a sheet of ice. A manila envelope and a cake were stuck to the ice, obviously placed against the door before the water froze. Speaking of water. Where did it all come from? Yes, the temperature was below freezing, but that did not explain all the ice.

Chipping the ice freed the envelope. I grabbed it, left the frozen cake, and slammed the door. Ripping the envelope open, I found a message. Here is what it said. “Your prompt for #JusJoJan and my very first birthday-Stream-of-Consciousness-Saturday is: “icing on the cake.” Write about the first thing that comes to mind when you think of the phrase “icing on the cake.” Enjoy!” There was also a little party hat that said Happy Birthday, Linda Hill.

If you want to enjoy and wish Linda a Happy Birthday, visit her blog. Here is the link.

https://lindaghill.com/2022/01/21/the-friday-reminder-for-socs-jusjojan-2022-daily-prompt-jan-22nd/

“So that was the first thing that came to mind? Frozen water on a cake?”

“I hate to say it but, yes.”

“Some have wondered about your thought process. So now I join them.”

“Why? What would you think of first.?”

“Birthday cake with frosting.”

“if the prompt was ‘frosting on the cake’ then I would agree.”

“It’s an idiom.”

“Who’s an idiot?”

“An idiom, you idiot.”

“Oh, what’s that?”

“A group of words with grouped usage that together mean something that the separate words do not convey.”

“You sound like a dictionary.”

“Thanks.”

“How about an example?”

“Well, take ‘Icing on the Cake.’ It means something added that makes things better. The cake is good and on its own would suffice but add some icing, and it’s perfect.”

“Icing makes my teeth hurt.”

“Okay, but you get the idea, right?”

“Yeah, I get it.”

“So why so literal with frozen water on cake?”

“I just thought it would be funny. Like describing lite beer as carbonated defrost.”

“Let’s stop there because I can build a segway with your last statement.”

“A transportation device?”

“No, an intro into a new subject as in ‘How bout you and I go and drink some beer?'”

“Great subject, and you got that off my carbonated defrost statement?”

“No.”

“What then?”

“You said the magic word.”

“Beer?”

“Correct as usual, King Friday.”

“Mr. Rogers right?”

“Yup.”

“Icing on the cake. Let’s go.”

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

January 21, 2022January 20, 2022 ~ John W. Howell ~ 86 Comments

BETHEL PARK, Pa. — A football coach in Pennsylvania canceled his team’s scheduled weightlifting session on Monday after a snowstorm blanketed the eastern part of the country.

When there’s a snow day or school is closed, Bethel Park football players typically meet in the workout room at 9 a.m. But instead of hitting the gym on Monday, the team hit nearby neighborhoods to help dig people out of the snow.

“It brought tears to my eyes, and I just feel like it’s a really great thing for them to do on their day off,” said Bethel Park resident Greg Hardy.

Hardy was getting ready to shovel his driveway when he was surprised that it was already being done for him.

“My wife said, ‘You don’t have to bother.’ And I said, ‘Why not?’ I looked outside and there they were, two snowblowers and five young gentlemen,” Hardy said.

They were all players from the football team who were just following orders from their coach, Brian DeLallo.

DeLallo, who’s both a football coach and teacher at Bethel Park High School, tweeted out that Monday’s weightlifting workout was canceled and to find an elderly or disabled neighbor who needs their driveway shoveled. He specified that this was an act of kindness, saying the team shouldn’t accept any money for their service.

“If you go on Twitter, you see high schools all over western Pennsylvania doing this. I think it says more about the kids and coaches involved in our game and gets kids out to help our community. That’s what it’s all about,” DeLallo said.

The players took their workout seriously and went door to door throughout their neighborhoods.

“We have been going house to house around the neighborhood seeing who still needs their driveway shoveled, and we tell them we will do it for free,” said freshman Jack Bruckner.

It was a workout that the team welcomed.

DeLallo said his players were texting photos of each other clearing driveways, one after another, first thing in the morning.

“It’s great to see the kids buy-in and get out there. They’ll shovel all morning, and then, hopefully, they’ll go sled riding in the afternoon and get to be kids,” DeLallo said.

And for neighbors like Greg Hardy, he’s now forever a Bethel Park football fan.

“They wouldn’t take anything! And I wanted to tell them, ‘Next fundraiser, put me down for whatever they need!’ It just made my day,” Hardy said.

The good news here is a coach, and his team made a difference. Today’s JohnKu talks about service. I hope you have a great weekend.

A coach takes the lead,

His team makes his word golden . . .

Service looks like this.

Thursday – A Little Personal – The Yard Again.

January 20, 2022January 19, 2022 ~ John W. Howell ~ 99 Comments

“Look out, Lucy. Looks like a snake to me.”

“Pretty skinny snake, Little One.”

“Yeah, but it sure is long.”

“It’s not moving. So maybe it’s something else.”

“Like what can it be?”

“Let me give it the once over.”

“Be careful. It seems to go on forever.”

“No talking while I sneak up on this thing.”

“Okay, but I think I know what it is.”

“I’ve seen this before. It’s attached to something.”

“You are so smart, Lucy. What is this thing anyway?”

“It says S-U-N-J-O-E. I wonder who that is?”

“You know it has something to do with dad’s leaf obsession. There he is.”

“I think it’s the picker-upper., but let’s ask.”

“Hey, dad, what is this thing?”

“Yeah, Boss. We want to know.”

“Well, ladies, it is a leaf vacuum. It picks up the leaves.”

“I knew it, Little one.”

“You are so smart, Lucy.”

Tuesday – Anything Possible – Kreative Kue # 343 by Keith Channing

January 18, 2022January 17, 2022 ~ John W. Howell ~ 78 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 on 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 time.”

The photo.

“Okay, now let go.”

“I’m not sure I should.”

“Why not?”

“I don’t think he’s got the hang of it yet.”

“You know, at camp, everyone has to be on their own.”

“I know, but maybe we can do this later.”

“For heaven’s sake. You have been saying that for a week.”

“But look at him. He looks so frightened.”

“He’s not frightened. He just has gas.”

“Well, whatever. It’s not my idea to send him to camp.”

“I know it’s mine. The kid has to learn to get along in the world. The first thing is to let him swim on his own.”

“He’s never done that before.”

“I know. How do you think I feel when the whole pod is laughing behind our backs.”

“Why would they do that?”

“We are the only dolphins on the planet whose kid can’t swim.”

“That can’t be true.”

“Well, it is. Kids are supposed to be natural swimmers when they are born.”

“Ours is special.”

“That is one way to describe him. Please let him go.”

“Okay, but you better save him if he gets into trouble.”

“I’m always here.”

“There he is on his own.”

“And look at the wake he is turning up. Go boy go.”

“I’m really surprised.”

“I told you it was instinct.”

“But my child is just not any run-of-the-mill dolphin.”

“Yeah, I know. He’s now a dolphin who can swim and ready for camp.”

“Can I go too?”

“Against the rules. You and I will go to our own camp.”

“You devil.”

“I resemble that remark.”

Top Ten Things Not to Do When You Are Short on Time.

January 17, 2022January 16, 2022 ~ John W. Howell ~ 85 Comments

Here is a post from January 19th, 2015. Clearly,. I was in the Walter Mitty mood that day. I hope you enjoy it.

* * *

Mondays creep up on me sometimes. I guess I should remember how quickly the weekend goes and not be surprised. Needing to do another Top Ten list got me thinking about time and being under the gun, so to speak. So I decided to use this situation to inspire this week’s list.

Top Ten Things Not to Do When You Are Short on Time.

10 If you are short on time, do not stop to talk to sweet old Mrs. Beagly while she walks her dog. If you do, at best, the latest tale will have you captive until you are late. At worst, Mrs. Beagly will sense you are trying to avoid a long chat, and in doing so, she will believe she has cause to stick those pins she has been soaking in bat guano in that doll that has a lock of your hair on its otherwise bald little head. (That pain in your arm may be more than muscle strain)

9 If you are short on time, do not begin mouth-to-mouth resuscitation on the neighbor who has fallen and can’t get up. If you do, at best, you will hurry the process, and the neighbor will be able to tell you don’t have your heart in it. At worst, despite hurrying the process, you have yet to get a sign of life, and because you are late and not that it matters anyway, you call the time of death about three minutes too early. (Maybe leave an apology note for the EMTs)

8 If you are short of time, do not begin surgery on a brain. If you do, a best, you may forget something in your haste to finish. (You know, like reconnecting the pleasure center) At worst, you will totally run out of time, and unfortunately, once you start, there is no good way to pack everything up and plan on finishing tomorrow. (So your foursome will just have to find another player.

7 If you are short of time, do not begin building that rocket to Mars. If you do, at best, you might finish with several nuts and bolts leftover, and the answer for this phenomenon is not “they packed extras.” At worst, you may rush through the job and actually finish only to see your beautiful rocket light up the night sky over Disneyland just in time for the Main Street Parade finale. (Who would have thought one rocket would produce a ten-minute fireworks show?)

6 If you are short of time, do not take flying lessons. If you do, at best, you will know only half of what you need when the propeller on your airplane decides to visit a local cornfield. At worst, you will have rushed through so many of the classes. While dealing with things like fuel starvation, magneto malfunction, preflight check, and navigation on your cross-country flight, you might lose track of your position. It’s not a good thing to be intercepted by two F18s flown by two very unhappy-looking pilots who signal you to follow them. (Straying into restricted space over the White House is a no-no)

5 If you are short of time, do not attempt to prepare an elaborate dinner for your boss and her husband. If you do, at best, they might overlook the rare chicken and concentrate on the bone-in potatoes. At worst, you will give your boss a bad case of salmonella from undercooked food, and although you try to deny it, everyone will assume you did it on purpose so you could have the position. (The fact that you got it underscores the rumors)

4 If you are short of time, do not start a mechanical fix on the family car. If you do, at best, you may not have time to put the car back together again in time for work tomorrow. At worst, you hurriedly fix the vehicle, and while commuting to work, you take notice of the tire passing you on the right, followed by a loud screech and sparks from the hub hitting the road. This is only the beginning since the tire went on and found its way into the front seat after passing through the windshield of the police car in the oncoming lane. ( I think the charge is going to be assault with a deadly tire)

3 If you are short of time, do not offer to help with the kid’s homework. If you do, at best, you will not finish, and the child will get an incomplete the next day. At worst, you will do the best you can in the time allowed and will be more than mortified at the failing grade your child received. A note is attached to the homework reminding parents children to do their own work. (Further insult is a P.S. that the teacher would like you to come in and discuss the issue)

2 If you are short of time, do not offer to help coach your child’s soccer team. If you do, at best, the parents will forgive a couple of your absences. At worst, the parents will blame you for the losing season, and the stigma will stick with you and your child until the child graduates from high school. (for their own good better enroll at a college in Spain)

1 If you are short of time, do not offer to watch someone else’s kids for just a moment. If you do, at best, the other parent will only be a few minutes late, and there will be no harm done. At worst, the other parent will arrive way past when you were to be at your meeting for the bid parameters on a building. The explanation will range from a “to die for” sale at Niemen’s to “I just lost track of time.” The net result is you have been excluded from the bidding on the new project whose scope has changed from one building to a whole shopping center. (So what’s a few million among friends?)

Views of the Neighborhood – Winter Survival Give-a-Way

January 16, 2022January 15, 2022 ~ John W. Howell ~ 97 Comments

We are heading to the Justice Center in Lakeway to witness a give-a-way conducted there. As most of you know, Texas was hard hit last February with freezing temperatures which caused power loss and dangerous conditions. The Young Men’s Service League, which is made up of Lake Travis High School (in Lakeway) students, collected items to be given away to help folks prepare for these conditions should such an event happen again. We want to see this in action. We are being catered by El Naranjo of Austin. Our entertainment is James Taylor.

LOS HUEVOS

Drinks of all kinds as well

We have arrived at the Justice Center.

Hmmm. Lines of cars ahead of us.

Here is a broad view of the items.

Buckets, of course.

Blankets to stay warm. Don’t be taking more than one.

Flashlights, Batteries, and portable chargers

First aid kits, latex gloves, and hand sanitizer.

Hats, winter gloves, matches, water, paper towels, and of course, toilet paper.

Need to ask for a space heater and firewood.

There is a packet from FEMA on how to prepare for the unexpected.

Here is a list of those who donated products, time, or money. It was a heartwarming community event.

Now is time for some brunch and music. I hope you have a great week.

Stream of Consciousness Saturday – Prompt – “A Rainy Day.”

January 15, 2022January 14, 2022 ~ John W. Howell ~ 68 Comments

The day wakes like any other. Its dark curtain slowly rises to reveal hazy images of deer and trees. The cement driveway reflects the glow of the yard lamp. The effect is converting an ordinary grey slab to the appearance of polished granite. It is a rainy day.

Always welcome but at the same time disappointing the rain has come. The immaculate car of yesterday will become the spattered mess of tomorrow. The clear, undistorted windows will be rain marked, denigrating the views to impressions.

A sigh and a cup of coffee will perhaps change the attitude to a more positive view of a rainy day. As the brewer was working its magic, a sound not unlike a trumpet ran through the walls of the house. Not waiting for the coffee, I hurried to the front door. Checking my Ring image on my phone caused a lurch in surprise. A man on a horse was on the driveway looking very much like Teddy Roosevelt. The horse was snorting and seemed in a bit of a hurry. The man kept shouting for me to open the door.

Mrs. Howell didn’t raise an idiot, so I called out through the doorbell. I demanded to know the nature of the business of someone on a horse waving a bugle. He wasted no time explaining he had a dispatch from Linda Hill that was of the utmost urgency.

My response was to yell, “Leave it on the porch.” He clenched his jaw and showed a magnificent set of teeth while telling me a signature was required. I gave in and opened the door. The poor guy was wet to the skin. He handed me a clipboard and told me where to sign. He then gave me a leather pouch. The horse reared while looking at it, and when I looked up, they were both gone.

Inside the pouch were two things. The first was a Reese’s Peanut Butter Cup, and the second was a message from Linda.

The message read. Your prompt for #JusJoJan and Stream of Consciousness Saturday is: “a rainy day.” Write about the first thing that comes to mind when you think of the phrase “a rainy day.” Enjoy!

If you would like to enjoy, visit Linda’s blog and read how easy it is. Here’s the link.

https://lindaghill.com/2022/01/14/the-friday-reminder-for-socs-jusjojan-2022-daily-prompt-jan-15th/

“Now that was a waste of time.”

“How so?”

“What did a peanut butter cup have to do with anything?”

“I like them.”

“Yeah, I like ribs, but I don’t throw them into a story with no other rhyme or reason.”

“Well, it’s my post, and I can do that if I want.”

“What about reader consideration? Don’t you think they will be confused?”

“No more so than usual.”

“What does that mean?”

“Most know I have an unusual view of things.”

“I guess the Teddy Roosevelt thing demonstrates that. What was that all about?”

“Rain sometimes makes me think of Teddy for some reason.”

“Okay. No need to follow that up since I think it is a swamp of no return.”

“When I was a kid, I used to read on rainy days, and I loved to read about Teddy Roosevelt.”

“Cheeze, most kids would pick a baseball star.”

“Like I said, I have unusual views.”

“What about bar stuff?”

“Yeah, love me some VooDoo Ranger IPA.”

“Well, if we can forget Teddy for a while, I’m buying.”

“Who?”

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

January 14, 2022January 13, 2022 ~ John W. Howell ~ 79 Comments

Video grab of the moment Lewiston Police Department officer Jonathan Smith jumped into a frozen lake to save a dog near Lewiston, New York, USA.

Here is a good news story from the Good News Network about a police officer saving a dog’s life without considering his own danger. The story is replicated in its entirety.

Officer Jonathan Smith, 30, was called to Bond Lake near Lewiston, New York, after receiving reports of a Labrador falling in about 50 yards from the shore.

In this heart-in-mouth footage captured by a fellow officer’s bodycam, the brave cop throws off some equipment before dashing out onto the ice without any caution for his own safety.

The owner walked the 10-month-old pup around the lake on January 5 when Kona spotted a distant flock of geese landing on the water and bolted towards them.

Horrified, Kona’s owner watched as the dog fell into the freezing water at the edge of the ice.

In an email to Lewiston Police Department, the owner wrote: “Although she is a strong swimmer, there was zero chance of her getting back out onto the ice, and she began to panic and tire quickly.”

Frantically they called 911, and 15 minutes later, Officer Smith and two other officers from the Police Department arrived.

Without hesitation or rescue equipment, the officer removed his vest and gun belt and hustled over the ice towards an exhausted Kona.

When he got close enough to her, Officer Smith grabbed the 75-lb. pooch and pulled her from the water, so she was able to run back over the ice to her owner.

“Kona and I and everybody that loves her are extremely grateful for his selflessness and courage,” the owner wrote. “His professionalism and bravery should be applauded.”

“I have witnessed countless acts of selfless heroism. Officer Jon Smith’s actions rank high in my book.”

Officer Smith was also honored recently for pulling a woman from a burning building in November and has been working at Lewiston Police Department since July 2020.

WATCH the outstanding rescue below…

The good news here is officer Smith knows what ‘To Protect and Serve’ means. Today’s John Ku talks about good people. I hope you enjoy the weekend.

They come in all sizes,

colors, and social standings . . .

Good folks everywhere.

Thursday – A Little Personal – Twiggy and Lucy Do Dishes

January 13, 2022January 12, 2022 ~ John W. Howell ~ 104 Comments

“So Twiggy. We have a golden opportunity right here.”

“What do you mean?

The dishwasher is unattended. Check it out. I’ll keep an eye out.”

“Okay, but what do I do when I get there?”

“Goodness. Don’t tell me you’ve never done the dishes?”

“Isn’t that what a dishwasher does?”

“No, yes. I mean, look at those babies sitting there covered with food.”

“I see them. What do we do?”

“We engage our tongues and sweep all that food into our mouths.”

“Like this?”

“Not the rack. Stand aside, Little One. I mean, you get your mug right in the middle and start licking.”

“You sure that’s sanitary?”

Who cares. It beats finding something on the road.”

“Now, that is something I would never eat.”

“Well, that was an example. I wouldn’t expect you to know about living on the streets.”

“I only know about living with Mom and dad.”

Hey, you two. You’re not licking those dishes, are you?”

“Why would we do that when we have all that wonderful food from you and dad?”

“Good answer, Little one. Now excuse me. I think there is a little bit of peanut butter left.”

“I was only speaking for myself.”

“I know, and let’s hope you always stay as pure as you are now.”

Tuesday – Anything Possible – Kreative Kue # 342 by Keith Channing

January 11, 2022January 10, 2022 ~ John W. Howell ~ 63 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.combefore 6pm on 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 time.”

The photo.

Now What? By John W. Howell

“Looks like he’s out.”

“Amazing. We were just talking about him and out he went.”

“You have to understand. He is a highly-strung dog and sometimes he just needs his rest.”

“Well, what about you? Maybe we can continue the interview while he naps.”

“Up to you.”

“You could give us some background on his life.”

“Like what?”

“Where was he born and the like.”

“That I don’t know. We found him at the side of the road.”

“Ah. A rescue.”

“Not exactly.”

“What then?”

“He was hitchhiking. We stopped and asked him if he needed a ride. He jumped in the car and that was it.”

“Extraordinary story. So he’s been with you ever since.”

“Yes. We got a call from his previous owner who wanted to visit him.”

“Really. That’s odd.”

“I’m not surprised that his previous owner wanted to contact him.”

“He’s that good?”

“I’m not sure that’s it.”

“What is it then?”

“Once he takes up residence, good things happen.”

“Like what?”

“Like that Lotto win, you are here to talk about.”

“That was some win. Where did you get the ticket?”

“I really have no idea.”

“You having memory problems.”

“No. The dog bought the ticket.”

“W-what? “Is the legal?”

“Don’t see why not. He’s over twenty-one in dog years and as far as I know, the Lotto rules don’t forbid ticket sales to dogs. When he wakes I’ll let him tell you the particulars.”

“You are saying he can talk?”

“Seven languages.”

“Anything else?”

“He’s a licensed financial advisor. I’m going to need his help.”