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

May 15, 2026May 14, 2026 ~ John W. Howell ~ 84 Comments

Dawn Zuidgeest-Craft, supplied to the Washington Post

Today’s good news story comes from the Good News Network

Senior Scholar Fulfills Life-long Dream to Graduate Medical School–a Doctor at 73-Years Young

By Andy Corbley – May 14, 2026

When Mr. Carl Craft nearly died from a brain hemorrhage, he and his wife Dawn reviewed their bucket list. Carl wanted to travel, and Dawn said she wanted to go to medical school.

“He thought I was crazy,” she said.

Now, though, Dawn Zuidgeest-Craft proudly holds a doctorate in medicine after graduating as the school’s oldest-ever graduate at 72.

The doctoral dream took root from the earliest periods of Zuidgeest-Craft’s life and would blossom into a career as a nurse practitioner and pediatric educator. It was a career she enjoyed even while marrying and giving birth to two children.

For their sake, Zuidgeest-Craft put her medical school ambition on hold—at least until her 40s, she thought. Then she got divorced and remarried before she and her new husband, Carl, decided to start their own family. Zuidgeest-Craft spent the decade raising two more children.

The dream of medical school gradually faded until Carl suffered his brain hemorrhage, at which point Dawn realized it had to happen now, or, as the phrase goes, never.

Digging into her retirement savings, Zuidgeest-Craft paid the tuition for St. James School of Medicine in Anguilla, the Caribbean, where the institution waives the requirement for a Medical College Admission Test.

It wasn’t a straightforward process, and the senior scholar wouldn’t have hoped or imagined failing the biochemistry exam during year 1, but with the support of her husband Carl and the classmates who all remember her fondly from their dorm living, movie nights, and yoga sessions on the beach, Zuidgeest-Craft kept going.

It took clinical rotations in Chicago and West Virginia, and a stint in South Texas, where a medical professional encouraged her—based on her aptitude—to seek a residency program, for Zuidgeest-Craft to graduate with her doctorate this month, not long before her 73rd Birthday.

“When you have to do it for work… you feel like, ‘I got to do this so that I can pay my rent,’” Zuidgeest-Craft, who has three grandchildren, told the Washington Post. “I want to do this because I really enjoy this.”

“I feel alive when I work in the medical field.”

She will begin her residency at Trinity Health Medical Center in Muskegon, Michigan, this year.

The good news in this story is that a long-held dream has finally been realized. Today’s JohnKu talks about dreams. I hope you have a wonderful weekend.

They are yours to have,

Which no one should take away . . .

Work till they come true.

Thursday – A Little Personal – Tempeste Learns Something

May 14, 2026May 13, 2026 ~ John W. Howell ~ 111 Comments

“Tempeste, what are you doing?”

“There is something in the cross-vine.”

“Don’t be silly. The only things in those vines are lizards and birds.”

“I think there’s some kind of creepy crawly up there.”

“You’d better get off that rickety fence.”

“Lizards could be classified as creepy crawly.”

“Hold on. I’m coming.”

“I think we could make a break from here.”

“You and your breaks. I hope you know Dad is putting a new fence in.”

“That’s why we ought to make a break while we can.”

“I think you’d better cool your jets, little one.”

“Okay, I get it. There is still something in these vines though.”

“There may have been a bird rustling, or as I said, a lizard. They live in there.”

“Live in there? Do they pay rent?”

“Don’t be silly. That would be like you and me having to pay rent.”

“I don’t know. We provide a lot of entertainment for free. Maybe that’s rent.”

“Do you have to sleep outside and catch your own food?”

“Okay, I get it. The birds and lizards live free like we do.”

Tuesday – Anything Possible – Finger Point Prompt – “First”

May 12, 2026May 11, 2026 ~ John W. Howell ~ 47 Comments

Today I randomly opened Detour on the Eternal Road to page 151. With eyes closed, I pointed to the page, and the word closest to my finger was “first.” That is our prompt today.

“When did you first see him?”

“The first time? Let me see. I think it was last winter.”

“What about him did you notice first?”

“Oh, that’s easy. He had a bright red coat.”

“Where were you?”

“Well, he startled me, and so I ducked behind this huge tree.”

“What happened next?”

“My heart was beating so fast I was sure he would hear it.”

“Did he ever see you?”

“No, I stayed out of sight.”

“What else can you remember?”

“I could tell he was fit, but he had on a hat, so it was hard to see his face.”

“Did you see him again?”

“In the spring, I saw him walking with a girl in the woods.”

“Okay, is that the last time?”

“Yes.”

“I want to warn you that this man is dangerous.”

“How so?”

“You were lucky he did not see you last winter. He’s a killer.”

“How can that be? When he was with the girl, he seemed nice and was smiling.”

“Yeah, his type always puts on a good facade. Just do me a favor.”

“What’s that?”

“If you see him again, stay out of sight.”

“Why?”

“His type is not fussy about shooting Does. That’s why.”

“But that is illegal.”

“Tell him that if you dare. You have been warned.”

“Thank you, Sir.”

“Just doing my duty as herd commander.”

Top Ten Things Not to Do Crossing the Delaware with General Washington

May 11, 2026May 10, 2026 ~ John W. Howell ~ 63 Comments

Washington Crossing the Delaware by George Caleb Bingham – http://www.chrysler.org/education/unit1/bingham.htm, Public Domain

This list continues with the historical backdrop for my brand of lunacy. It first ran on September 17, 2018. I hope you enjoy it.

10 If you are crossing the Delaware with General Washington, do not dangle your feet in the water off the back of the boat. If you do, at best, they will be numb. At worst, the General will think you have lost touch with reality. (Looks like you may be sidelined for the big event, Frasco. Although you may want to avoid the battle, your pay envelope will be much thinner.)

9 If you are crossing the Delaware with General Washington, don’t try to sit in Tiny the WWF champ’s seat next to the General. If you do, at best, you might be swimming across the Delaware. At worst, Tiny, who has formed a bond with General Washington, may take your move as a sign of affection for the General. (Since Tiny failed the “Unrequited Love and How to Cope” seminar, he now thinks a knuckle sandwich is an answer. Just jump out, Fredek. It will be easier in the long run.)

8 If you are crossing the Delaware with General Washington, do not think wearing boat shoes from Top Siders will impress your fellow soldiers. If you do, at best, you’ll get a new nickname. At worst, a Master Sergeant will put you on report for being out of uniform. (Of course, one more on-report isn’t going to break you, Freyr. You have come to like peeling potatoes.)

7 If you are crossing the Delaware with General Washington, do not start singing “row row row your boat.” If you do, at best, a few might join in. At worst, the General will single you out and threaten you with the stockade if you don’t quit making noise. (Looks like Georgie thinks you might be a British spy, Fridolf. I think quiet is the better part of this equation.)

6 If you are crossing the Delaware with General Washington, do not bring your fishing equipment. If you do, at best, you might catch dinner. At worst, the General will ask you to keep fishing until you have caught enough to feed the Continental Army. (Holy cow, Frygies. That is a lot of fish. We’ll come back for you.)

5 If you are crossing the Delaware with General Washington, do not ask if dinner at the captain’s table is a formal affair. If you do, at best, no one will understand your question. At worst, you’ll be reminded that you are on a rowboat and there is no captain’s table, and someone will hand you the flag. (You know that the flag goes in the front of the charge, don’t you, Fryderyk. Yeah, that’s right, up front where all those bullets and flying cannon balls are.)

4 If you are crossing the Delaware with General Washington, do not let anyone know you get seasick. If you do, at best, some will be sympathetic. At worst, the old salt will continually describe in minute detail the roast pork dinner he had last night. ( If you can just hang on a little longer, Francis, the shore is not too far away.)

3 If you are crossing the Delaware with General Washington, do not begin humming an old German tune. If you do, at best you’ll keep the volume down. At worst, since you are on your way to attacking the Hessians in Trenton, the General might think you are mocking the mission. (Washington is not sure this whole thing will work, Finn, so I would lay low if I were you. That water is certainly cold.)

2 If you are crossing the Delaware with General Washington, do not mention that your enlistment in the army expires at midnight. If you do, at best, you’ll get a so what? At worst, someone will take your musket and shot, and you’ll be defenseless when you reach the shore. (Better offer to reenlist, Fabian. Otherwise, you are going to be pretty uncomfortable dodging shot from both sides.)

1 If you are crossing the Delaware with General Washington, do not stand up in the boat and start singing “Old Man River.” If you do, at best you’ll be ordered to sit and be quiet. At worst, you will finish your song while trying to keep your head above water. (Looks like the General has just about had enough of the stand-up comedy, Floyd. Hopefully another boat will scoop you up.)

Views of the Neighborhood – The Enchanted Forest Walk of Lakeway

May 10, 2026May 9, 2026 ~ John W. Howell ~ 74 Comments

Today, we are visiting The Enchanted Forest in Lakeway. We are catered by Geraldines of Austin, and Our Entertainment is Katrina and the Waves.

Overnight Oats – vanilla | chai | seasonal fruit

Avocado Toast – sourdough | tomato medley |burrata | basil | arugula

Gem Caesar – Little gem | garlic dressing | parmesan cheese | crouton

Ricotta Blueberry Pancake – Seasonal fruit | maple syrup

Two eggs, any style | sausage or bacon | toast

Southern Bowl – Grits | fried eggs | cheddar cheese | homemade smoked sausage | green onion

Steak And Eggs – 8oz. Grilled wagyu skirt steak | 2 eggs | breakfast potatoes |chimichurri

Let’s go

Hedgehog family and fairy houses

A very naughty elf.

The proper way to blow bubbles.

A milkmaid lights the way.

Elf and frog on the loose.

Light of freedom.

Let me take your photo.

Stop for a nap.

Tiny stone wth a message.

Gnome village.

The old west. (Sorta)

A fairy village.

More fairies.

I think the frog has the right idea. Time to eat and relax to the music. I hope you have a great week.

Stream of Consciousness Saturday – Prompt – “Contrast”

May 9, 2026May 8, 2026 ~ John W. Howell ~ 73 Comments

To contrast a standard coffee maker to this one is like comparing a steam locomotive to a bullet train. The locomotive gets the job done over time, but the bullet train delivers results immediately. So with that praise of the coffee machine, the two-button press delivers a double coffee in seconds. The first sip stops the air-hammer-on-concrete sound of caffeine withdrawal in my brain. The second brings the predictable crescendo of a load of cymbals hitting the ground after being shoved off a cliff sound of the Westminster Chime of the doorbell, coupled with the baying of Igor’s hounds. A quick toss of two Benny Bones and a slam of the door to the soundproof room traps Tempeste and Twiggy and produces the silence is golden moment prior to the incursion.

A check of the monitor shows the image of someone who looks like Porkey Pig with a clipboard and an envelope. A quick check verifies the need for a signature so with a sign the security system shout down process is begun.

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. The front door is open.

The pig hands me the clipboard and envelope. The clipboard is returned after signature. The pig has a cloven hoof extended in the classic ‘tip request’ pose. I gave him an excellent tip. “A good plan executed now is better than a perfect plan next week.” Not waiting for his reply, the front door now separates us.

I open the envelope and see a message from Linda Hill. It reads: Your Friday prompt for Stream of Consciousness Saturday is “contrast.” Use it any way you’d like. Have fun!

To see what others have done with the prompt, visit Linda’s post. Here is the link. https://lindaghill.com/2026/05/08/the-friday-reminder-and-prompt-for-socs-may-9-2026/

“So what was the purpose of comparing the coffee machines?”

“The prompt is contrast, and I wanted to pull it in early.”

“Well, you did that for sure. Say, do I detect a different security system ashut down.”

“Yes you do. My pal Tom Okragly helped me out with that.”

“Why change?”

“I figured folks were getting tired of the old one is all.”

“How did you know that?”

“I put a line in last weeks that if someone spotted the line, I would give them an Amazon gift card.”

“No one did?”

“Nope.”

“Are you telling the truth?”

“No I’m pulling your leg. I just had a feeling.”

“Okay so we’ll see how this one plays.”

“That’s the idea.”

“Are you thinking of changing the pub visit.”

“No that stays. We get to use some unusual rides and that is fun. Speaking of which.”

“Uber is over there.’

“Nice. A 1958 Buick Roadmaster convertable. With a big catch I’m sure.”

“Just a small catch.”

“What’s that?”

“We have to ride with the top down in the strawberry festival parade.”

“Is that all?”

“Well you have to smile and wave.”

“I can do that.”

“And wear this hat.”

“Wait a minute. That’s a giant strawberry.”

“It’s not real.”

“I know that, but look how stupid I look.”

“So?”

“I’m a world famous author. I can’t be looking stupid.”

“The words from your mouth just confirmed the hat is a good fit.”

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

May 8, 2026May 7, 2026 ~ John W. Howell ~ 53 Comments

Gidgee trees on Pilungah Reserve – credit, Bee Stephens.

Today’s good news comes from the Good News Network.

85 Million Acres of Private Land Are Being Protected for Conservation in the US and Australia

By Andy Corbley – May 7, 2026

Australia now boasts one of the world’s largest acreages of private land set aside for conservation, and the Guardian recently reported that generous and wealthy citizens are to thank for it.

Leaving land to conservation purposes in wills and making bequests of estates have played a big role in amassing 24 million acres of privately conserved land.

Bush Heritage Australia manages some 3 million acres of these, and its CEO, Rachel Lowry, told the Guardian that such contributions play an outsized role in their work.

Last year, for example, the organization reported 4,600 such bequests, almost double the 2022 total. They believe it stems from people truly attempting, as we’re often taught, to leave the world in a better place than when they found it.

“Some of Australia’s most threatened and fragile ecosystems and wildlife sit outside of the national reserve system,” said Lowry. “They’re found on private land or pastoral country, and they may have deep cultural and ecological values, but they’re not protected from threats such as land clearing, mining, or invasive species.”

Several organizations in the country, such as the North East Tasmania Land Trust, are carrying out similar work, and the governments of the Australian states are taking notice. One of Bush Heritage’s protected areas, the Pilungah Reserve, was granted protection under Queensland state law equivalent to a federal National Park, demonstrating how valuable the work is seen by the public sector.

In the United States, one of the largest protected areas is a private-public partnership called American Prairie.

American Prairie has spent over 2 decades buying and leasing land between the Charles M. Russel Natural Wildlife Refuge and the Upper Missouri Breaks Natural Monument in Montana to create America’s largest assemblage of wild prairie for the purposes of conservation and recreation. It’s also received donations of land on the way to reaching its current size.

GNN has reported on several major milestones of this massive and constantly growing mosaic of grasslands, hills, woods, and wetlands, including a substantial 22,000-acre land purchase that had blocked public access to the Missouri Breaks, and the clearance of over 100 miles of derelict fencing across their land.

The organization has accumulated 603,657 acres, which comprises 167,070 deeded acres and 436,587 leased public acres. Their goal is ultimately to protect, and in some cases, rewild 2.3 million acres.

In 2024, American Prairie set a new visitation record for the seventh year in a row with more than 6,600 overnight visitors to its huts and campgrounds, and over 5,000 visitors at its National Discovery Center in Lewistown, Montana.

An American organization that helps connect and advocate for private conservation land in the US reports that 61 million acres—more than all the US national parks—are privately held for conservation. This amounts to about 3% of the 60% of American lands that are privately owned.

Called the Land Trust Alliance, it aims to double this number by the end of the decade.

The Good news in today’s story is that private land donations are helping preserve natural resources. Today’s JohnKu talks about private methods. of conservation. I hope you have a super weekend.

Individuals

Have the power to conserve . . .

God bless those who do.

Thursday – A Little Personal – The Puma and the Panther

May 7, 2026May 5, 2026 ~ John W. Howell ~ 100 Comments

“The panther catches the puma off guard.”

“The puma reacts as an always-ready warrior.”

“The panther gets a jaw lock on the puma.”

“The puma thumps the panther on the head.”

“The panther breaks the puma’s hold.”

“The puma readies for the next attack.”

“Another jaw lock by the panther.”

“A ferocious roar by the puma throws the panther off.”

“The panther gets a nice chunk of chest fur.”

“The puma’s not worried since there is a lot of it.”

“The panther breaks the hold and gets ready for the death blow.”

“The puna prepares for the final thrust of the panther.”

“And so it comes. The panther siezes the puma by the throat.”

“The puma gives out another huge roar, scaring the panther.”

“The panther decides to let the puma live another day.”

“The puma congratulates the panther on a well-done game.”

“The panther wants to know where the puma is going.”

“The puma tells the panther that it is time for a trip outside.”

“Oh, good.”

“That’s what I thought.”

Tuesday – A Little Personal – Finger Point Prompt –

May 5, 2026May 4, 2026 ~ John W. Howell ~ 52 Comments

Today I randomly opened The Last Drive to page 259 and, with eyes closed, pointed to the page. My finger fell closest to the word “everyone.” This is our prompt today.

“All right, everyone, listen up.”

“Oh, here we go. Mr. Know-it-all is taking over.”

“He always takes over.”

“Yeah, and I think it’s a pain.”

“Well, I sure don’t want to do it. Do you?”

“That’s beside the point. It’s just so irritating that he thinks he should be in control.”

“Look at it this way. All we have to do is relax and follow everyone else.”

“That’s a good point. But old ‘I’m In Charge’ won’t let us just follow.”

“What do you mean?”

“He’s got to go hup, hup, hup all the while.”

“I agree that does get old.”

“Why can’t we just go with the flow without all the marching crap?”

“You know, some people just have to believe we are better off with leadership.”

“That would be true if the leadership were competent, but just saying hup, hup, hup doesn’t accomplish anything.”

“Okay, people, time to go. Hup, hup, hup.”

“I think I’m going to stay here.”

“You can’t do that.”

“Why?”

“You are a Lemming.”

“Okay, true enough.”

“Besides, this is a one-time thing. Get over it.”

“You’re right. Let’s go.

Top Ten things Not to Do While Rome Burns in AD 64

May 4, 2026May 3, 2026 ~ John W. Howell ~ 68 Comments

This post ran on September 10, 2018, and is part of the historical top ten things not to do lists. I hope you enjoy it.

10 If you are in Rome and it’s burning, do not practice your Lyre. If you do, at best, you might be mistaken for a leader. At worst, the number one Lyre player might think you are mocking him. (I see a few centurions at your gate, Finnobar. Time to move out.)

9 If you are in Rome and it’s burning, do not try to ignore Tiny the WWF champ when he yells instructions. If you do, at best, Tiny will only grab you and toss you over the wall. At worst, Tiny, who just graduated from Gladiator school, will take the opportunity to hone his skills. (Looks like you have the net and Trident Flynn. It might not be a match for the mace and double-edged sword. I would suggest begging.)

8 If you are in Rome and it’s burning, do not wear your I’m a Happy Christian t-shirt today. If you do, at best, no one will notice it. At worst, since the fire is being blamed on Christians, you may meet a lion up close and personal. (I think you need to do more than the “nice kitty” statement, Flannagain.)

7 If you are in Rome and it’s burning, do not try to get a refund on your Circus Maximus tickets. If you do, at best, no one will be at the ticket office. At worst, you will be last in a line of 10,000. (Not to worry, Flin. There is always a fire-check for the next show.)

6 If you are in Rome and it’s burning, do not walk around town with that torch. If you do, at best, people will think you are connected. At worst, someone will get the idea you had something to do with the fire. (Now it looks like you really have to leave town, Fonzell. Wonder what’s happening in Naples?)

5 If you are in Rome and it’s burning, do not show people in the pub the plans for Domus Aurea, Nero’s palace, to be built on the ruins. If you do, at best, no one in the pub will understand what you have. At worst, one of the customers is a senator. (Looks like you are on the hook as the source of the fire, Forba. I think you ought to ask for a little traveling music and move on.)

4 If you are in Rome and it’s burning, do not try to put out the flames if thugs are warning you not to do it. If you do, at best, you might get a black eye. At worst, you might need to answer to Nero as to why you tried to stop the fire. (Not known for his largess, Nero may have you on the next train to Lionsville, Fortino.)

3 If you are in Rome and it’s burning, do not set up a smores stand. If you do, at best, you’ll have a few customers. At worst, folks will take your cavalier attitude to heart. (Looks like a gang of residents heading this way has blood in their eyes, Franko. Maybe it’s time to pack up.)

2 If you are in Rome and it’s burning, do not wait to evacuate. If you do, at best, you might have to run for your life. At worst, you might get cut off and have to take a leap into the Tiber River. (Sad thing about that sundial, Frang. Shoulda checked to see if it was waterproof before making the leap.)

1 If you are in Rome and it’s burning, do not think your hotel still offers room service. If you do, at best, you’ll be disappointed. At worst, you’ll wait too long for service and forget to check out when your room starts burning. (Don’t think the bill will be overlooked, Frans. They will find you no matter how far and no matter how long.)