Friday JohnKu – AKA – TGIF

June 26, 2020June 25, 2020 ~ John W. Howell ~ 68 Comments

“What’s that baby doing in our yard, Lucy.”
“I think it wants you to come out and play.”
“Yeah, as if.”

Another Friday and like me, I hope you are looking forward to the weekend. Hmmm. Let me rephrase that. Another Friday and I hope you are able to make it through another weekend.

Things have opened up here in Texas, like other states, and with it are ever-increasing numbers of COVID-19 cases. If you all go back to your statistics courses and run a regression analysis on the data you will find the cases are increasing at an increasing rate. (Who am I kidding. No one is going back to their statistics course. It was almost fatal taking statistics the first time.) It looks like folks are not staying away from each other, and this virus is going to be around a while.

We now have Sahara dust moving into Texas. This stuff drives me half nuts. It is right up there with oak pollen and unfortunately, there is not much that can be done other than to wear a mask (Now that’s novel) and keep the rescue inhaler handy. I’m telling you this has been a crap year for asthmatics. Today’s JohnKu talks about the year. I do hope you have a super weekend.

It seemed nice at first,

Then somehow it got pissed off. . .

The year needs a friend.

Top Ten Things Not to Do at the Production of the Last Packard Automobile in 1956

June 22, 2020June 21, 2020 ~ John W. Howell ~ 67 Comments

This week marks the anniversary of the production of the last Packard automobile in Detroit, Michigan in 1956. The Packard was, at one time, the hallmark of luxury production cars. The company used the slogan, “Ask a man who owns one,” for many years. Since this is the passing of an icon, it seems only right to go and watch the last machine to roll off the production line. Take your top ten list so you don’t stumble inadvertently into a situation that could cause a tear in the time continuum. So pack your bag and let’s go.

Top Ten Things Not to Do at the Production of the Last Packard Automobile in 1956.

10 If you go, do not mention the name Cadillac while in the factory. If you do, at best you may not be heard over the noise. At worst, the production crew who have just been told that Cadillac is the reason for shutting the plant will hear you. (Time to try and make them believe you didn’t say Cadillac, Latinus. How about golf? “You know my caddy lacks enough skill to be helpful.” It doesn’t look like it’s working. Hit the fire drill button.)

9 If you go, do not tell Tiny the WWF champ that he missed a spot while polishing the car. If you do, at best, he is thinking of the lunch hour and will ignore you. At worst, Tiny, who just finished being admonished for careless work, will take your comment to heart. (One thing you should know, Lauren, is that Tiny does not take criticism well. In fact, his foreman has been on long term medical leave since he told Tiny to be more careful. Yeah, he’s coming this way. Tine to try out those Nike’s)

8 If you go, do not blow the words to “See You Later Alligator” by Bill Haley and the Comets. If you do, at best the other workers will be singing so loud they won’t notice. At worst, you will be discovered not knowing the words to the number one song. (Not really a big deal, Law, but you can’t make any more mistakes. Better hope you can handle “Blue Suede Shoes” by Elvis. That one is next.)

7 If you go, do not talk about having a McDonalds Big Mac for lunch. If you do, at best, no one will know what you are talking about. At worst, you will draw attention to the fact that you are not from around here. (The first McDonalds opened in Michigan in 1957, Leal. It opened in Lansing, which is eighty miles north. Don’t worry, the workers just think you are weird, not dangerous.)

6 If you go, do not ask if the car comes equipped with a stereo radio. If you do, at best, no one will understand you. At worst, you will be talking to an engineer who will catch the concept and wonder where you came from. (Stereo radios were not installed in cars until 1969. I think that engineer is in love with you, Leandros.)

5 If you go, do not ask for a color wheel to help decide the color of the last vehicle. If you do, at best you will be ignored. At worst, you will sound like you are mocking the final selection. (You see, Leeroy, it has been decided that the last Packard made would be a black Packard Patrician four door. I think those guys with wrenches want to see you. Yeah, I would ignore them too.)

4 If you go, do not scoff at the price tag of $4190 for the loaded Packard Patrician. If you do, at best everyone will think you are rich. At worst, the production crew will think you are saying the car is too cheap. ( You have to remember, Legolas that $4190 in 1956 would be worth $39, 495 today. So the car was far from cheap but not as expensive as some. The production crew would like to see you outside. No, I’m not going with you.)

3 If you go, do not forget some of the plots of the shows that were popular on TV. If you do, at best, the crew will think your memory is shot. At worst they’ll think you are nuts. (so let’s hope you remember I Love Lucy, Gunsmoke, Jack Benny, Alfred Hitchcock Presents, Res Skelton, and You Bey Your Life cause these guys just watched a few last night. No Leighton? That’s too bad.)

2 If you go, Do not tell the workers what is in store for the company. If you do, at best they won’t believe you. At worst they will take out the bad news on you. (The company merged with Studebaker, who was in bigger financial trouble. By 1958 although an attempt was made to produce Packards in South Bend Indiana the brand was totally discontinued. Aren’t you glad you didn’t tell them this, Lemuel.)

1 If you go, do not even think about sitting in the last Packard. If you do, at best no one will be able to find the keys. At worst, you will sit with a spot of grease on your pants. (The shop steward is demanding that you pay for the car Leodegan. I think your Visa card will not be accepted. He doesn’t look like someone who you want to argue with right now. Hit the way back button.)

Friday JohnKu – AKA- TGIF

June 19, 2020June 18, 2020 ~ John W. Howell ~ 71 Comments

It is Friday once again. Hopefully, everyone is safe and well. It is becoming more difficult to stay safe and well for sure.

Today the governor approved a workaround for requiring the wearing of masks here in Texas. A county judge in San Antonio found a loophole whereby the state and local municipalities cand enforce the wearing of masks in retail establishments. It is quite simple. Retailers are now required not to let anyone in the store without a mask. As we all know, social distancing and masks are very effective in stopping the spread of Covid-19. With people jamming into bars and onto beaches the new case and hospitalizations of Covid-19 victims has skyrocketed. So far voluntary compliance has not been effective. Let’s hope the new retail requirement can make a difference. For the life of me, I don’t understand why folks take this disease so casually especially when the young are getting sick.

In other news. There has been no response from the agent community on my queries. I guess I’ll have to send follow up notes to extract a decision.

Today’s JohnKu talks about individual rights in a pandemic. I hope you have a super weekend.

Good health is a right,

Which supersedes most others . . .

Put on the damn mask.

Thursday – A Little Personal – Twiggy and Lucy Play Soccer

June 11, 2020June 10, 2020 ~ John W. Howell ~ 70 Comments

Since we got a cold front last night, the morning temperature is in the 70s instead of the 80s a perfect time to play outside.

Twiggy and Lucy

“Hey, Lucy. Come on out. It’s beautiful.”

“Coming Little One.”

“Wow. You are right. Smell that air.”

“I know. Feels so good.”

“Okay, so Let’s kick the ole ball around.”

“Which is your goal, Little one. North or South?”

“Uh, South looks pretty good.”

“Great. I’ll take the North.”

“I’m going to walk a few paces, and then we’ll have a kickoff.”

“A kickoff? What’s that?”

“We both run at the ball and try to get control.”

“Okay. Then what? Wait, what is that?”

“Sounds like a package of cheese being opened, Little One.”

“Think we ought to go see?”

“I think we should play. Then go see. The cheese will always be there.”

“Once it goes into the cold place, it’s hard to whine it out again. Hey. What did you do?”

“Just kicked the ball through the goal post at the South goal, that’s what.”

“OMG, it is in the flower bed.”

“Yup and the home team wins by a goal. Now to the cheese.”

“Hold up. It takes two to beg. I’m coming with you.”

Views of the Neighborhood – Deer Check

June 7, 2020June 6, 2020 ~ John W. Howell ~ 106 Comments

I thought it would be a good idea to look around the neighborhood and check on how the deer are doing. Come along.

Someone’s front yard and a doe.

Our neighbor’s front yard with a doe and fawn. The fawn is caught kicking up its hind leg.

A doe in our yard wondering what we are doing here.

A doe looking for some tasty blooms.

Can you spot the deer across the street by the bush? Twiggy sure can.

A fawn in our front yard wondering what we are doing there.

Mama and baby take a lunch break on our driveway.

The weekly herd picnic. (glad it is not my yard)

Fawn wondering where mom is going.

A very young buck. His little antler buds are just beginning.

An older buck but still with a small set of antlers.

Looks like the deer are in good shape. Thanks for coming along, and I hope you have a great week.

Friday John Ku – AKA – TGIF

June 5, 2020June 4, 2020 ~ John W. Howell ~ 78 Comments

“It’s a beautiful day, Lucy.”
“That it is Little one. It’s Friday so that makes it better.”
“Let’s go outside and ruckus.”
“Right behind the Boss who is right behind you.”

It is Friday again, and I know Twiggy is happy. She always looks forward to Friday for some strange reason. She’ll be glad it’s here. As for me, it seems to be like any other day for sure. In fact, I was thinking (Uh oh) while on a bike ride. A ton of random thought came into mind. I hope you’ll bear with me as I share them with you.

Why do men over fifty think they look good in sleeveless t-shirts? Those hairy shoulders beg for a forest fire.
How come it is so hard to read the contents of cardboard boxes at the curb. Come on, manufacturers just spell it out. How else will I know what my neighbors are buying?
Why do some people insist on riding their bikes toward traffic? I guess they want to see in advance what hits ’em. (also they do not know the physics relating to the velocity of two objects closing in on each other)
What is up with people leaving dog poop bags on the street? I know I’m not going to pick them up.
How come so many people have come to the decision that there is no virus? I see way too many clumps and no masked folks to suit my comfort.
Where is Joe Biden? Is he still running for President?
Do we have enough supplies for a second wave of Covid-19? Well, let’s hope so, except most of the stuff is still not being stocked. (Like thermometers)
Protests for a cause are a good thing. The destruction of property is not. It is good to see protesters stop lawbreakers.
I wonder where the new normal will settle. Police state? Lawless society? Endangered human species? Who knows?
The Presidental election is five months away. What will be the significant
“It’s a beautiful day, Lucy.”
“That it is Little one. It’s Friday so that makes it better.”
“Let’s go outside and ruckus.”
“Right behind the Boss who is right behind you.”

issue that decides who gets the most votes? The economy? Covid-19 response? Law and order? International relations? Immigration? Maybe there will be more issues. Who knows?

Today’s John Ku talks about random thoughts. I hope you have a great weekend.

Thoughts don’t ask to come,

They show up without warning . . .

Then it’s your worry.

Stream of Consciousness Saturday – Prompt “Spay/Splay/Spray

May 30, 2020May 29, 2020 ~ John W. Howell ~ 60 Comments

It is Stream of Consciousness Saturday time again, and here is Linda Hill to explain this week’s prompt. “Your Friday prompt for Stream of Consciousness Saturday is “spay/splay/spray.” Use one, use two, use ’em all, it’s up to you. Have fun!”

So there you have it. If you would like to have fun, please visit Linda’s blog and read how. Here is the link.

The Friday Reminder and Prompt for #SoCS May 30/2020

“Oh, my goodness.”

“What?”

“Just saw the prompt for this week.”

“Ah. The Hill Hilarity. What is it?”

“Spay/Splay/Spray.”

“Hmmm. There are the obvious uses.”

“Who wants to talk about neutered pets, legs, or mosquitoes?”

“You could go in a completely different direction.”

“Yeah, like what?”

“Well, Spay is a town in Germany located in a great wine production area.”

“Okay, I guess that would be interesting. What wine?”

“Riesling.”

“Yum. I like a nice Riesling.”

“You could also talk about splay without mentioning body parts.”

“I don’t see how.”

“There is an architecture term splay that describes an angle of a wall from a door or window that makes it wider the further away from the door or window.”

“Not sure I could pull that off. I don’t really understand .”

“Think of a window that also has a window seat. You have the window, and then the walls come into the room at an angle, so there is room for the seat. It’s called a splay at the wide part in the room.”

“I guess I get that. What about spray?”

“I think you are stuck with the idea of droplets of liquid. You could describe different kinds of spray.”

“Or just stick with spay and splay.”

“What fun is that? You could talk about the spray of the sea.”

“Okay, then here is my attempt. A little haiku, which should keep the Hillster happy. Ahem.

In the town of Spay,

There’s a window with a splay . . .

Safe from ocean spray.

How’s that?”

“I’m no critic, but am wanting to move on with the day.”

“so?”

“Close enough for government work.”

Thursday – A Little Personal – Twiggy and Lucy Outside

May 28, 2020May 27, 2020 ~ John W. Howell ~ 88 Comments

Twiggy and Lucy

“Hey, Twiggy. The sod is looking okay.

“What’s that fence doing there?”

“I think it’s to keep us from splashing through the puddles.”

“I’m looking at this grass, Lucy. It looks a lot better than the new stuff.”

“Remember how it looked when it first went in.”

“Oh yeah. I remember.”

“I’m hoping the rest gets to look like this.”

“I think we need to stop worrying about the lawn.”

“You are right, little one. It is on its own now.”

“What are these things, Lucy?”

“Those are hummingbird feeders, Little One.”

“Do we feed everyone around here?”

“No, Little One. Just the hummingbirds.”

“Okay, Lucy. I think I need some lunch.”

“That sounds good to me too. Here let me get the door.”

“I guess we should call the folks Little One unless you can make lunch.”

“Yeah, a real good idea, Lucy. I’ll bark. That always brings them quick.”

Wednesday Story Day – AKA – Hump Day

May 27, 2020May 26, 2020 ~ John W. Howell ~ 52 Comments

It is Wednesday Story Day again, and last week we were here when Larry and the lieutenant struck up a deal to investigate the root cause of why someone wants to see Larry and Andrew dead. Right now, Larry, Andrew, Lieutenant Mayfield, and a State trooper are in the SWAT conference room. I think they are putting together a plan. Let’s go there and maybe get some insight as to where this whole mess is heading.

“So major that is the long and short of it. Anything to add, detective?”

“You can call me Larry. No, Major, that’s about all. Short of getting back to Boston, I think trying to find the guys trying to kill Andrew and me is the next best thing.”

“Thank you, Larry. You and the Lieutenant did the right thing coming to the State Patrol. From what you told me, I think we are dealing with some professionals. Here’s what I think we should do.”

“One second major.”

“Yes, Lieutenant?”

“Larry just gave me an idea. What if we fake another trip to the airport?”

“I see where you are going. So maybe we can draw these guys out again?”

“And maybe get a prisoner who might be willing to trade some information for a break.”

“Okay, I think that is one plan. I was thinking of trying to ID the dead and perhaps getting a hit on their identity. We might be able to figure out who they are working for.”

“Good idea major, but so far, we have no hits.”

“Are you using the RAID system?”

“Yes, and INTERPOL as well.”

“It does take time for sure. Well, I guess we have to wait then.”

“What about my idea?”

“No offense, Lieutenant, but there are so many liability factors connected with your idea that I would be very hesitant to try.”

“Like what major?”

“What if one of these guys got killed. Their families and the lawyers would have a field day.”

“Not to mention it might hurt.”

“Yes, thank you, Larry.”

“Okay, then Major, what else can we do?”

“I have a couple of informants on the payroll. Let me talk to them and see if there is anything on the street about someone wanting to hire a hit.”

“How long will that take?”

“A couple of hours is all. I’ll make the calls. Do you have someplace private here?”

“Yes, you can use my office. Come with me, I’ll show you. You guys sit tight. I’ll be right back.”

“Thanks, Lieutenant.”

“Larry?”

“What, Andrew?”

“You sure he’s gone?”

“Looks that way.”

“I got this uneasy feeling.”

“You hungry?”

“No, not hunger. Uneasy feeling about this whole thing.”

“Talk to me.”

“It seems odd that someone could commit suicide with poison. In jail.”

“Yeah, I thought so too, but sometimes that’s how it goes.”

“Call me suspicious, but we need to be careful.”

Tuesday – Anything possible – Kreative Kue #264 by Keith Channing

May 26, 2020May 25, 2020 ~ John W. Howell ~ 55 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 next 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 Monday.”

The Photo.

Kreative Kue #264