tuck.”

September 7, 2024September 6, 2024 ~ John W. Howell ~ 50 Comments

Coffee can’t come soon enough. There should be a way to start an IV while still in bed. In that way, stepping on legos, stubbed toes, tripping over footstools, and all manner of mayhem might be avoided. Such is impractical, so one must go through the minefield to reach the golden elixir. The first sip is worth the trouble. Once the brain came to life, the clock was the first thought. Although there was no tock to accompany the tick, the tech behind it is intact. It is set on September 6, 1914, and the tack is Atlantic City, New Jersey. A safety tuck under the arm and a plunger pull find us immediately at the Miss America pageant.

The fourth annual Miss America Pageant was held in Atlantic City, New Jersey, and won by Miss Philadelphia, Ruth Malcomson (1906—1988). The 1922 and 1923 winners, Mary Katherine Campbell (who had entered from Ohio as Miss Columbus), placed First Runner-Up. The pageant marked the last time previous winners were eligible to enter the Miss America pageant.

Mary Katherine Campbell ( December 18, 1905 – June 7, 1990) was The only person to win the Miss America pageant twice and the second woman in history to win the title.

Just as we were about to meet and greet the winners, the alarm drops us onto the old trusty couch. A text has arrived from Linda Hill. It reads:

Your Friday prompt for Stream of Consciousness Saturday is “tack/tech/tick/tock/tuck.’” Use one or use ’em all for the bonus points. Enjoy!

To see what others have done with the prompt, visit Linda’s post. Here is the link: https://lindaghill.com/2024/09/06/the-friday-reminder-and-prompt-for-socs-sept-7-2024/

“All those women and you didn’t get to talk to any?”

“That’s right. A sad thing, too.”

“I think you should take me with you on these ventures.”

“Why’s that?”

“Because I would know what to do instead of standing around until the time ran out.”

“What would you do?”

“Get a few phone numbers. Maybe ask one out.”

“They are in the past. You know that, right? What good would a phone number do you?”

“Hmm. You make a good point. Okay, maybe just a quick hug.”

“I could see you getting hauled off to jail for assault.”

“All right, never mind. Let’s take a new tack.”

“Okay.”

“Does the tech in that tick-tock allow for return visits?”

“I suppose it does.”

“There you go then. We tuck that puppy in a bag and take it with us.”

“And?”

“When we need to extend time, we reset it and return.”

“Let me think on that.”

“I know the perfect thought juice.”

“VooDoo Ranger, right?”

“How did you guess?”

“How about Uber?”

“Right over there.”

“A 1949 Ford truck.”

“Looks that way. Of course, the 49 and 50 looked just like it.”

“The important part is you seem fascinated with trucks.”

“Yeah, I guess a soft spot, and we can buy two more VooDoo Rangers with what we save on the fare.”

“What do you mean ‘we?'”

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

September 6, 2024September 5, 2024 ~ John W. Howell ~ 76 Comments

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

In the Choctaw Nation’s territory in Oklahoma, tribal leaders have erected a knotted statue to honor a 170-year-old cross-continental connection.

The “Eternal Heart” sculpture, combining a heart with a Celtic trinity shape, was designed to honor the eternal bond forged between the Choctaw Nation and the most unlikely of people: the Irish.

In 1847, when Ireland was experiencing years of starvation due to potato blight, the North American Choctaw tribe joined a compassionate campaign in the U.S. to help these strangers a whole ocean away from them.

Despite their own suffering, having been forced to relocate hundreds of miles from their native land, the tribe pooled their pennies and raised $170 (almost $5,000 in today’s currency) through a relief fund to send to Midleton in County Cork.

An early artist impression of the sculpture in Cork—released to the press.

Nine years ago, a soaring silver monument to honor these donations was unveiled in Cork, and Choctaw leaders were invited to the grand unveiling.

“The bond between our nations has strengthened over the years,” Chief Batton said. “We are blessed to have the opportunity to share our cultures, and meet the generous people who have continued to honor a gift from the heart.”

In 2020, during the COVID-19 pandemic, the Navajo and Hopi nations were experiencing high rates of infection, and the Irish saw their moment to demonstrate that they remembered the kindness shown to them by America’s native peoples. Irish donors raised $2.7 million for water and supplies through a GoFundMe, with many leaving messages of remembrance and hope.

“Ours is a debt that can never be repaid, but please consider this a small token of love and solidarity from your Irish brothers and sisters. Praying for the strength, well-being, and prosperity of your community always,” said Caroline Kelly, adding a Gaelic message of unity. “Ar scáth a chéile a mhaireann na daoine.”

“When the Choctaw people had nothing, they gave Ireland all they could at a time when we needed it most. I know it’s not much, but I hope this helps our friends in their time of need,” added Ciaran Mc Brearty.

One of the truly wild parts of this historical story is that the people of 19th century Ireland who ultimately benefitted from the Choctaw donations didn’t learn about the aid money’s origin until decades after the famine had ended.

One can only imagine their surprise when the Midleton residents found out that it came not from Catholics or countrymen but from a group of ‘Indians,’ the conceptualizations of whom the Irish would have only possessed via written accounts of colonial explorers, and the high drama contained in early Wild West, Cowboys and Indians-like material distributed by publishers in America.

In 1995, then-Irish President Mary Robinson visited the Choctaw Nation to express gratitude and rekindle the friendship between the two nations. During the visit, President Robinson was appointed “Honorary Chief of the Choctaw Nation.” This historic visit began a renewed commitment to honor the bond forged by the Choctaws’ selfless act.

“It is a great honor to have a hand in exemplifying the Choctaw-Irish connection through my art,” said Choctaw sculptor Samuel Stitt. “The Choctaw culture of giving and caring for others is passed down to each generation. The ‘Eternal Heart’ is an artistic interpretation of how the Irish people and Choctaw Nation will forever be connected by that human characteristic of compassion—one people for another.”

The unveiling of the “Eternal Heart” sculpture reminds us of the power of compassion and solidarity and stands as a testament to the enduring friendship between the Choctaw Nation and the people of Ireland.

The good news in this report is helping others form a bond that could last a lifetime. Today’s JohnKu talks about helping others. I hope you have a wonderful week.

A simple gesture,

Of kindness to one in need . . .

Brings both together.

Thursday – A Little Personal – Tempeste Shows Twiggy Agility

September 5, 2024September 4, 2024 ~ John W. Howell ~ 126 Comments

“Hey, Twiggy. I’ve been to an agility class. You want to see what I learned?”

“I would like that. I’ve never been.”

“Okay, so this thing is called a tire. I don’t know why, but it is.”

“So what do you do with it?”

“The idea is to jump through it.”

“Wow. You did that nicely.”

“They raise it up, so jumping through gets harder. Right now, it is perfect.”

“Are there other things to jump?”

“Oh yeah. There is a crossbar, and they also have these sticks you have to weave through. My favorite is the tunnel.”

“Sounds like work. I’ll meet you in the yard. The sun isn’t on the turf yet, so we can play.

“The panther sees movement in the tall grass.”

“The puma stays downwind and is ready to spring a trap.”

“The panther slowly stalks its prey. The sight of the puma’s pointy ears makes an easy target.”

“The puma regulates breathing to minimize movement .”

“The panther makes contact and wishes the puma a good day.”

“The puma returns the greeting and decides to make a confrontation some other day.

“The panther executes a sneak attack.”

“The puma readies razor-sharp teeth for a bite on the panther’s neck.”

“Have you ever noticed how my shadow looks like Batman?”

“Another score for attention deficit on the panther side.

Tuesday – Anything Possible – Finger Point Prompt – Communicate

September 3, 2024September 2, 2024 ~ John W. Howell ~ 54 Comments

Today, I randomly opened the book My GRL to page 241, and without looking, my finger landed closest to the word ‘communicate.’

“So what did you say?”

“I said that is no way to communicate.”

“What happened then?”

“He reached in his pocket and pulled out a little pad and pencil.”

“Then what?”

“He wrote out a note. Tore it out of the pad and handed it to me.”

“A note? He already threatened you with his fist and then wrote out a note? What did it say?”

“Put all the money in a bag, or you’ll get it.”

“Get what?”

“That’s what I asked.”

“And.”

“He looked at me for a minute and then scribbled another note.”

“I can’t wait. What did this one say?”

“It was a crude drawing of a gun with the word ‘this’ under it. I held it up in the air and said, ‘This?’ He nodded.”

“Then what?”

“The police came in and took him away.”

“Did they disarm him?”

“He didn’t have a gun. I did give them his drawing.”

“Imagine that?”

“I sort of felt sorry for him. Doesn’t seem like he knew what he was doing.”

“Wait a minute. He was robbing you.”

“Yeah, I know. I probably should have just given him some money and let him go. He looked desperate.”

“Now, you are sounding crazy.”

“At least he won’t be charged with armed robbery. A drawing of a gun is not a gun.”

“At least not yet.”

Top Ten Things Not to Do on Labor Day

September 2, 2024August 31, 2024 ~ John W. Howell ~ 60 Comments

This post ran first on Labor Day 2015 and every Labor Day after that. I thought it was pretty good advice, so here it is again.

***

In honor of Labor Day, I’ve decided to boil the top ten list down to the most essential items. Let’s all remember those who make our lives easier and more pleasant. Of course, the remembrance includes us authors.

Top Ten Things Not to Do on Labor Day

10 through 1

On Labor Day, have fun, but do not drink and drive. If you do, at best, you are a fool. At worst, you could hurt or kill an innocent person, not to mention your guilty self.

Happy Labor Day, all.

Views of the Neighborhood – Lakeway Art Show

September 1, 2024September 1, 2024 ~ John W. Howell ~ 88 Comments

Today, we are headed to the Lakeway Activity Center for the art show sponsored by the Lakeway Arts Committee. We are catered by Corinne Austin, and our entertainment is Justin Timberlake and Anna Kendrick

Kale & Apple Salad – Honey crisp apple, arugula, white Cheddar, honey pecans, market vinaigrette

Ahi Tuna Poke Salad – Romaine, Iceberg, snap peas, Fresno, ginger vinaigrette.

Spinach & Avocado Caesar Salad– Shaved Parmesan, Greek yogurt dressing, whole lemon vinaigrette

Chopped Romaine Hearts Salad: Rotisserie chicken, avocado, tomato, bacon, scallion, black beans, Bleu cheese, and Cobb dressing.

Brush Creek Wagyu Burger – Lettuce, white cheddar, tomato, onion, special sauce & shoestring fries

Chicken Club – Peppered bacon, lettuce, tomato, avocado, peppercorn aioli, brioche bun & shoestring fries

Toasted Grilled Cheese Sandwich – Aged white Cheddar, Havarti, Parmesan, arugula apple salad.

Our bus is back and is now equipped with a sauna. Let’s go.

The Activity Center.

Announcement poster.

A long view of one wall.

Popular succulent assortment.

Handmade ceramics.

Beautiful blues.

Our old friend Carol van Ginkel from the string art exhibition

Ceramic baked goods

A wide variety of art and a tasty cup of coffee.

Paintings on different media.

His work.

Unusual shapes and lovely pastel colors.

Modernism theme.

More.

I like the tablecloth color tie-in with the art.

It is now time for food, music, and relaxation. I hope you all have a beautiful week.

Stream of Consciousness Saturday – Prompt – ‘School’

August 31, 2024August 30, 2024 ~ John W. Howell ~ 73 Comments

The essence of the gods slowly makes its way into my cup. Being old school, there is no reason to move or engage in mental activity without that first sip of Columbia’s second-most favorite export. The cup is full, and the first sip is consumed. Thoughts turn to the alarm clock. It is set for August 31, 1924, and the location is Coberg in Bavaria. The duration is for an hour. The puller plunger finds us in the town of Coburg.

It is here that Grand Duke Kirill Vladimirovich of Russia, a former officer of the Imperial Russian Navy, first cousin to the late Tsar Nicholas II of the Russian Empire, and grandson of Tsar Alexander II, proclaimed himself to be the Tsar of all the Russias as the closest living heir to the Tsar Nicholas who was murdered by the Soviets in 1918.

This announcement was made, and we know that Kirill sought to regain the monarchy but was unsuccessful until he died in 1938.

Just as the announcement was complete, our alarm takes us back to the trusty couch. A text from Linda Hill is waiting that reads: “Your Friday prompt for Stream of Consciousness Saturday is “school.” Use it as a noun or a verb; use it any way you’d like. Have fun!

To see what others have done with the prompt, visit Linda’s post. https://lindaghill.com/2024/08/30/the-friday-reminder-and-prompt-for-socs-aug-31-2024/

“So old Kirill spent some time trying to regain the throne?”

“Yup, and it never happened. He even promised to keep elements of the Soviet system.”

“Did he live in Germany till he died?”

“No, he bought a place in France and lived there.”

“This information is certainly obscure these days.”

“Yeah, I guess it is.”

“How come I never learned this in school?”

“Unless you were into Russian history, it isn’t something that commonly comes up.”

“I suppose it is like VooDoo Ranger.”

“Gee, three minutes till that subject came up. I give. How is VooDoo Ranger like Russian history?”

“Unless you have sampled it, you have no idea what you have.”

“Call Uber, for heaven’s sake.”

“Done. He’s right over there.”

“Wow, that looks like a 1951 Chevy dump truck.”

“With snow plow, I might add.”

“We have the old squeeze play in the front.”

“I wonder what riding in the dumper would be like.”

“You go right ahead. School me later.”

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

August 30, 2024August 29, 2024 ~ John W. Howell ~ 67 Comments

A reef in Biscayne Bay National Park – credit National Park Service

The Good News Network gives us our good news story today.

US National Parks Are Receiving Record-High Gift of $100 Million to Protect and Restore Fragile Ecosystems

Andy Corbley–Aug 28, 2024

The official non-profit organization representing America’s National Parks has received notice that it is set to receive the most significant philanthropic gift of its history.

$100 million has been set aside from the Lilly Endowment for the National Parks Foundation (NPF) to protect the fragile ecosystems in our parks.

Some national parks like Glacier or Canyonlands are enshrined to protect whole tracts of pristine landscape, while others are established to protect very small tracts of very vulnerable ecosystems, like Biscayne Bay and Channel Islands.

To that end, Lilly Endowment Inc. has stated that the $100 million is for protecting ecosystems at immediate risk of degradation.

AP reported that the money will be used to address the needs in sites beyond the 63 national parks, said Will Shafroth, president and CEO of the NPF, of which over 400 are managed by the National Park Service.

Restoring coral reefs in Biscayne Bay National Park and other reef-bearing parks, restoring wild trout species in western parks, and protecting the most delicate ecosystems have all been among the NPF’s recent work, and Shafroth expects the first round of grants stemming from the Lilly gift to be within these areas.

Over much of the 21st century, a backlog of deferred maintenance in the national parks grew until it amounted to around $7 billion in needed work. The Great American Outdoors Act, passed by the 116th Congress and signed into law by President Trump, attempted to address this by permanently reauthorizing the Land and Water Conservation Fund. This mechanism diverts 50% of all the money from energy sales (coal, oil, natural gas) on federally-owned land to conservation grants.

Congress estimated this would generate $9.5 billion for the national parks over five years. However, a recent re-examination of the NPS’s maintenance needs places the needed funding at around $24 billion.

In light of this, the NPF has launched a fund drive looking for private donors to make up part of the difference. Lilly is the first to have contributed.

Philanthropic gifts like the one from Lilly are crucial as they allow the NPS to act immediately to address time-sensitive and critical projects while they, like all the other federal agencies, jockey over budget negotiations and allocation, the NPF said.

“For over 50 years, private philanthropy has played a vital role in bridging the gap between park needs and available funding. This grant will allow us to supercharge our efforts to ensure our national parks are for everyone, for generations to come,” President Shafroth said in a statement.

The good news in this article is that private funding will perhaps offset the financing deficit needed for park repair. Today’s JohnKu talks about private donations to help the parks.

Thankful for big checks,

But even the smallest gift. . .

Will help with repairs.

Thursday a Little Personal – Mourning Kizzy’s Passing

August 29, 2024August 28, 2024 ~ John W. Howell

Kizzy was suddenly called across the rainbow bridge on Tuesday. She was playing in her yard with a new toy when she collapsed and was gone. We are heartbroken and have no words at this time. She did have Cardiomyopathy, which occurs in her breed. Her age and general good health made this eventuality even more shocking.

Here are some photo reminders of Kizzy’s fun spirit and good times with Twiggy and Tempeste. I have closed comments today and will be back on Friday.

Kizzy near her gotcha day four years ago.

Christmas time for Twiggy and Kizzy.

Chillin’

Kizzy and Twiggy playing in the yard.

Tempeste offers to take Kizzy for a walk.

Happy times at Kizzy’s house.

Kizzy at home last Friday.

Rest in peace, sweet girl.

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

August 27, 2024August 26, 2024 ~ John W. Howell ~ 47 Comments

Today, I randomly opened Eternal Road – The final stop to page 45 and, without looking, placed my finger on the page. The word closest to my finger is “answer.”

“Is that your final answer?”

“What do you mean, ‘final answer?'”

“I mean that you can’t change your mind once you commit.”

“Um, maybe I better think a little linger.”

“I haven’t got all day.”

“Okay, okay, I just need a second.”

“Time’s up.”

“I said a second, not a split second.”

“Very funny. Come on, is that your final answer.”

“Yes. For heaven’s sake. That is my final answer.”

“Well, congratulations. You have completed the test.”

“Test? What test?”