Views of the Neighborhood – Inspirational Rocks

September 10, 2023September 10, 2023 ~ John W. Howell ~ 83 Comments

Today, we will go to the Greenbelt to look at a newly installed feature, which is inspirational rocks. We are also going to the Activity Center to see some kids creating rocks. We are being catered by L’oca D’oro of Austin. Our entertainment is Simon and Garfunkel.

Brunch menu

Fresh Mozzarella, blistered shishito, marinated & roasted okra, lemon-tomato curd

Beet Cashew Dip, seeded lavash, sumac

Confit Magic Molly Potatoes, chevre, arugula, blueberry

Panzanella, grilled peach, focaccia, pesto, stracciatella

Polpette, Waygu brisket & heritage pork meatballs,
tomato jam, pecorino, oregano

Bacon, house-smoked thick-cut Iberico pork

Egg Salad Toast, miso, sourdough brioche, chives

Porchetta Sandwich, focaccia, Boggy Creek arugula, olive pesto,
preserved lemon aioli

French Toast Stick, cherry sorghum, raspberries, whipped mascarpone

Spaghetti Cacio e Pepe, pink peppercorn, pecorino Romano

Radiatore, pistachio fonduta, cured & grilled lion’s mane, sunchoke tamari

Spaghetti Carbonara, pancetta, chili crisp, grana padano

Picture of an old time school bus

So get on the bus.

In April 2020, we visited some rocks that had been placed in the Greenbelt by some anonymous folks as a way to cheer up others during the pandemic.

April 2020.

April 2020

Now there is a place where you can leave a rock or take a rock.

The other side of the display.

A close-up of some rocks.

A distance shot of the feature.

Rocks are being made at the Activity Center

The rocks before conversion.

After a child’s hand.

I hope you enjoyed the brief trip. Sit back and enjoy the food and music. I hope you have a super week. Here is Simon and Garfunkel with I Am A Rock

Stream of Consciousness Saturday – Prompt – Mostly/At least

September 9, 2023September 8, 2023 ~ John W. Howell ~ 76 Comments

The soothing cup of coffee reaches my lips. The deep intake of breath brings the healing aroma deep into the lungs. The first sip of the nectar of the gods enters the bloodstream and hits the brain like a free-based drag of heroin. This is legal, is the first thought. Well mostly. At least there will be no arrest for caffeine usage, is the second.

Once the internal conversation over the coffee high is finished, the mind remembers that the security system has been off for a week, and a package from the Warner Brothers President is sitting on the front porch. Looking around the living room shows that no monsters typically lurking outside have made it into the house.

Opening the front door confirms the package is still there and has not been moved. A cautious approach is for who knows what could be in there? There is a tab on the side that says “pull me.” A quick yank and the sides of the box fall down. A large urn with the Warner Brothers logo prominently displayed on the front is inside. The thought of what to do with this monstrosity enters my mind. As if to answer my question, Speedy Gonzoles zips up and hands me a letter and disappears in a cloud of dust.

The letter states that the urn is magic and all that has to be done is give it a rub. There is a P.S. on the letter from Linda Hill. Your Friday prompt for Stream of Consciousness Saturday reads: “mostly/at least.” Use one, use ’em both, use ’em any way you’d like. Bonus points if they both appear in your post. Enjoy!

If you want to see what other bloggers have done with the prompt, visit Linda’s blog . Here is the link . https://lindaghill.com/2023/09/08/the-friday-reminder-and-prompt-for-socs-sept-9-2023/

“Mostly you cover the prompt. At least you didn’t go on and on.”

“What do you mean ‘mostly?’

“Well you could have gone into a little detail.”

“Like what?”

“Why would you consider caffein mostly legal.”

“I thought it was a little early in the day for philosophical discussions.”

“Philosophical discussions? About caffeine?”

“See. You don’t get it.”

“Okay explain.”

“Well I could have gone on about the rainforests being replaces by coffee plants or worker being poor;y paid for picking the beans.”

“I see what you mean about too early.”

“I’ll bet you didn’t know that for every cup of coffee drunk the world loses and inch of rainforest.”

“Okay pleals let me change the subject.”

“Okay go.”

“How many Voo Doo Rangers does it take to destroy how much of the rainforest?”

“None and none.”

“Excellent. Let’s give up coffee for Voo Doo Rangers.”

“You already ordered Uber, right?”

“Yeah they are right over there.”

“Which one? The 1960 F100 pickup or the road grinder?”

Photo by Dan Antion – https://nofacilities.com/

“Both.”

“Both why?”

“Cause the grinder only has one seat so one of us will have to stand on the back.”

“I nominate you.”

“Okay going. Then you coming back.”

“Let’s go.”

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

September 8, 2023September 7, 2023 ~ John W. Howell ~ 74 Comments

This week’s good news story comes from (where else) the Good News Network. Here is the story in its entirety.

Hero Neighbor Charges Into Lake to Save 4-Year-Old Boy With Autism

Andy Corbley Sep 7, 2023

A Michigan woman is being hailed a hero after she rescued a 4-year-old autistic boy who jumped into a lake.

Drowning is the leading cause of death among autistic children, but the water would have to make do with frogs and fish after Jessica Bauer and the boy’s Grandma saw him fall in, and the former tossed her smartphone over her shoulder before jumping in.

Ring camera captured the youngster tumbling into a pond and Bauer’s rescue. The young woman has a three-year-old of her own and said the sight of the little boy drowning was frightening, but nevertheless, she told Inside Edition that she didn’t think much at all as she was jumping in.

The mother of the 4-year-old later thanked her hero neighbor. Bauer says the boy she saved is doing fine and is excited to celebrate his 5th birthday.

WATCH the rescue below…

The good news is that a person reacted to the emergency without thinking. Today’s Johnku talks about heroes. I hope you have a wonderful weekend.

Heroes don’t think first,

They respond to what’s needed . . .

Then, do the thinking.

Thursday – A Little Personal – Twiggy

September 7, 2023September 6, 2023 ~ John W. Howell ~ 106 Comments

“Hey, Twiggy, you going to play outside today?”

“Dad, this over 100 degrees is not the best for play.”

“Yeah, I understand. So maybe there is something fun to do inside.”

“One of the best things is a nap.”

“You can always do that. How about playing with chuck-it?”

“That is always fun. Let’s start there.”

“Here you go. A couple of bounces.”

“Hmm. Not sure about this.”

“What’s the matter?”

“It works better in the yard where I have to chase it.”

“We know that. This is an interim accommodation to the weather.”

“I think we should think harder about the accommodation.”

“How about watermelon?”

“Played with that today already.”

“Here is a wide selection. Honey Pot, Mr. Eel, Lamby, and Bee Mine.”

“All good friends, for sure.”

“Yes, good friends. How about good playmates?”

“Hold on, Dad. I have this pesky itch.”

“Where you going?”

“Gonna see if Mom has any ideas. I think we are through here.”

Tuesday – Anything Possible – Prompt – Kreative Kue # 397 by Keith Channing

September 5, 2023September 4, 2023 ~ John W. Howell ~ 58 Comments

I’m happy to welcome Keith Channing back and am so glad he is feeling better.

In Keith’s words. “Using this photo below (taken in Singapore at the end of 1978) 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.” Here is a link to Keith’s post https://keithchanning.wordpress.com/2023/09/04/kreative-kue-397/

The photo.

“Hey, mom.”

“Yes, Adam.”

“This deer keeps putting its head on my butt.”

“Yes, dear. It’s trying to get to know you.”

“Well, it already knows Tania.”

“Yes, dear. Let’s just move on, shall we.”

“But Mom. Shouldn’t I try to get to know the mom.”

“I don’t think so, Adam. We need to see some other sights.”

“But I’m right here. I would make it a fast introduction.”

“You are starting to make a scene. Don’t make me come over there.”

“If you do come over, bring some carrots.”

“How about a switch.”

“What’s that?”

“Something to warm your bottom.”

“Will it get to know me too?”

“In a manner of speaking.”

“Okay, I’m coming over. Come on, Tania.”

“Good boy.”

Happy Labor Day – From Our House to Yours

September 4, 2023September 3, 2023 ~ John W. Howell

From The Producer, Twiggy, and me, we wish you and yours a safe and enjoyable Labor Day. Remember those who work hard so that we can maintain our way of life.

I have closed the comments.

Views of the Neighborhood – Lakeway Art Show

September 3, 2023September 3, 2023 ~ John W. Howell ~ 64 Comments

Today we are going to visit the activity center and the art show. We are catered by Clarks of Austin, and our entertainment is Rod Stewart.

New England Clam Chowder – Chive, Chervil, Bacon, Oyster Crackers

Roasted Golden Beet Salad – Watermelon, Sheep’s Milk Feta, Mint,
Toasted Pistachios

Wood Grilled Shrimp – Toast Pea Tendrils, Shaved Celery, Harissa Aoili

Mussels & Clams – in White Wine & Herbs Wood-Charred Sourdough

Lobster Roll – Drawn Butter, Bibb Lettuce with Clark’s Fries or Slaw

Tuna Salad Sandwich – Olive & Parsley Vinaigrette with Clark’s Fries or Slaw

Pan Roasted Black Angus Hamburger – Sauce Gribiche & Gruyere with Clark’s Fries or Slaw
Toasted Pullman BLT – Niman Ranch Bacon, Tomato, Butter Lettuce, Sunflower Sprouts, Avocado & d’Espelette Aioli
Grilled Kale & Goat Cheese Omelette – Crispy Marble Potatoes & Red Chimichurri, Hollandaise
Crab Cake -Watercress & Frisee Salad, Pickled Shallots, Hollandaise

Picture of an old time school bus

Let’s go.

Here is the poster for the event. We did not go on the studio tour.

This is birdbath heaven.

Also, a TV tray heaven.

A jazz trio for our listening pleasure.

Plants are art , too.

These paintings are made with alcohol inks. Alcohol inks are fast-drying, waterproof, highly pigmented, alcohol-based inks that are great to use on a variety of surfaces. These are dye-based colors (as opposed to pigment-based) that are flowy and transparent.

Some oils on canvas.

Mixed media.

A big selection

Of course, pottery is art.

Some are larger than life.

Computer-generated art and graphite.

To cool off with some shave ice.

Stream of Consciousness Saturday – Prompt – Chews/Choose

September 2, 2023September 1, 2023 ~ John W. Howell ~ 61 Comments

The machine works its magic. No begging, threatening, cajoling, or tears were needed for a delicious cup of steaming stuff that makes life worth living. The first sip rushes the caffeine to the brain like cocaine on steroids. The brew’s intense flavor is conducive to several chews rather than a simple swallow. It is always love at first taste of the drink we choose.

After the sip has me centered, a loud noise sends Twiggy off on a barking jag that will eventually clear the neighborhood. Checking my phone, I see a big old box has been dropped on the front porch. There is a tag in the corner that gives me a hint that life is about to get more stressful. The tag has big block letters spelling ACME.

The security system must be shut down to investigate the box. The tower machine guns are deactivated, the moat screen rolled, the concertina wire retracted, the boiling oil set to standby, the claymore mines detached, The trebuchet reset, the iron gate opened, and the locks and bolts thrown.

The front door is carefully opened, and the box is examined. There is a string with an envelope attached. On the outside of the envelope, the printing says OPEN and READ ME. Following the instructions, there are two letters inside. The first is from Linda Hill and reads. Your Friday prompt for Stream of Consciousness Saturday is: “chews/choose.” Use one, use ’em both, use ’em any way you’d like. Bonus points if you get ’em both in. Have fun! The second is from the President of Warner Brothers. It says simply, We hope you enjoy your gift.

To see how other bloggers have responded to the prompt, visit Linda’s blog. Here is the link. https://lindaghill.com/2023/09/01/the-friday-reminder-and-prompt-for-socs-sept-2-2023/

“Well, you got the bonus points.”

“Yup. Sure did.”

“What are those bonus points used for?”

“Anything you choose.”

“What do you use them for?”

“I’m buying a Bentley Turbo Convertable.”

“Wow. You can do that?”

“Sure.”

“When do you get the car?”

“Well, it will be a while cause I have to buy it piece by piece.”

“What?”

“Yeah. I have four lug nuts so far.”

“Four lug nuts? At this rate, it will be forever. Sounds like a fool’s errand.”

“See, there marks the difference between us.”

“What do you mean?”

“I have a dream and am working on it. You are more day to day.”

“But four lug nuts. That is almost enough to hold one tire on a nonexistent car.”

“How many Bentley lug nuts do you have?”

“None.”

“The journey starts with the first step. Before you know it, I will be cruising in my convertible.”

“If you can still get a license at that age.”

I’m going to change the subject. How about a VooDoo Ranger?”

“At last, you get to the essential parts of life. Uber is here.

“Can’t wait to see wait the sale vehicle is today.”

“It’s over there.”

“What is that thing?”

“It is a vehicle that paints lines on the street. Got a good price ’cause they need to paint the lines on the road that runs by the pub.”

“Where do we sit?”

“See that trailer with all the cones.”

“Yeah.”

“We sit there and place the safety cones next to the new lines on the way.”

“What fun.”

“I knew you would be thrilled. Here, take some of these tobacco chews. Goes with the job.”

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

September 1, 2023August 31, 2023 ~ John W. Howell ~ 63 Comments

UN Resident and Humanitarian Coordinator for Yemen David Gressly with the FSO Safer

Today’s good news story comes from the Good News Network. Here is the story as published.

Remarkable Man Averts Oil Tanker Disaster by Crowdfunding to Stop Crumbling Ship From Releasing Tons into Red Sea

By Andy Corbley–Aug 31, 2023

In July, news media reported that a derelict oil tanker off the coast of Yemen had its more than 1 million barrels of crude removed in a successful cleanup operation.

The operation may have prevented a major environmental catastrophe in the Red Sea because the tanker, FSO Safer, was 47 years old and had serious mechanical and structural risks.

Now, an addendum to the story reveals the work of a true hero whose crowdfunding campaign succeeded in collecting the money necessary for the sea-saving work.

That addendum began when truce negotiations between Saudi Arabia and the controlling faction of Yemen, the Houthis, opened a wartime window of opportunity to do something about this environmental Sword of Damocles that had been hanging over the communities in the Red Sea since the FSO Safer was abandoned in 2015 after Saudi’s invasion.

The agreement to allow environmental crews is required so that a new vessel can be purchased to hold the oil, which technically belongs to the Yemen state, though who that represents isn’t settled yet. After agreement was reached in May of 2022, the race was on for the United Nations to conduct a hugely ambitious fundraiser of $144 million for a new tanker and a salvage company to drain all the oil, clean all the insides of the tanks, and bring the massive bulker to shore.

David Gressly, the UN’s resident humanitarian coordinator for Yemen, spearheaded the fundraiser and salvage operation but said that progress was slow going.

“If we had a major oil spill there, we would have probably raised a billion dollars in a month because there are mechanisms for governments to do just that,” Gressley told the Guardian.

Salvage teams at work on the Safer. credit -Lize Kraan-Smit from Boskalis

After government and private sector donations weren’t adding up, Gressley opened the fundraising to the world—anyone with a dollar to spare was invited to contribute to this admittedly massive goal.

By September 2022, the campaign had gathered $75 million of the required $144 million, an astonishing return driven by individuals, from Yemeni businessmen to schoolchildren in the US. When the campaign reached $121m in July this year, the emergency humanitarian fund of the UN provided a low-interest loan to cover the rest.

From there, work was turned over to Boskalis, a salvage company that finished the cleanup operation by August 11th after the MT Yemen, a brand new oil tanker, weighed anchor alongside Safer to siphon off the last of her oil before the old girl was towed to Yemen’s shore for scuppering.

Alongside his lifesaving work in Yemen, Gressley is also considering establishing contingency plans for future situations of the sort since he was still explaining that the money he helped raise would be going to a good cause even after the Boskalis said Safer had between 12 and 18 months of time left before crumbling into the sea.

You can watch an animation of the oil transfer.

The good news in this story is a person cared about averting a disaster and did something about it. Today’s JohnKu talks about the benefits of being decisive. I hope you have a great weekend.

There is time to wait,

But knowing action is first . . .

Averts disaster.