Views of the Neighborhood – Fall Festival

October 13, 2019October 12, 2019 ~ John W. Howell ~ 64 Comments

Last weekend was the Fall Fest at Emmaus Catholic Parish. The fest is a major fundraiser for the Parish. I stopped by and was amazed at everything that was going on. I thought you would enjoy seeing it as well. This post has way too many photos, but this is a fraction of those I took. I hope you enjoy it.

A nod to the fact that fall is approaching

Vendor booths. (Should have set up my book stand.)

Games required tickets to play.

The Wine wheel was popular, as was the cake wheel.

A Pot of gold is like a bean bag toss.

Putting contest.

The street of games and vendors and a nun.

The Bookmobile. (YAY)

Some games weren’t too popular like the broom race.

and the Flamingo toss.

The burger truck.

I thought it was pretty funny to have no parking signs except for Sunday. I’m wondering about who would want to park there the rest of the week.

A fun Tejano band.

Yeah, I’ll have a double-double chocolate shake with whipped cream on top and hurry please. (The producer is somewhere else)

Shave ice.

Hot dog truck.

Train ride.

Slide.

Bouncy Castle.

And a petting zoo. There were all kinds of animals, but I thought this calf was very cute.

I hope you enjoyed the Fall Fest today.

Tuesday – Anything possible – Kreative Kue #232 with Keith Channing

October 8, 2019October 7, 2019 ~ John W. Howell ~ 54 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.

“Excuse me. Do you work here?”

“This orange apron with my name written with a Sharpie by a two-year-old says I do.”

“Oh, good. I really could use some help.”

“Well, sir, as our motto says, “No item too obscure for us not to carry it.”

“Huh?”

“Just retail humor, sir. I’d be glad to help you out. Now, which way did you come in?”

“More retail humor, I’ll bet.”

“Yes, sir. Seriously now. What can I do to help.”

“See this screw.”

“Yes, sir, I do. Rather small little thing, but I do see it.”

“I need another one just like it.”

“That shouldn’t be too hard, sir. Follow me.”

“Oh, thank you. I have been wandering around for hours, it seems.”

“Goodness, do you need some water?”

“I could use some, I suppose.”

“Here, take this canteen.”

“Canteen?”

“Yup. We are required to carry a canteen in cases like this.”

“Is this sanitary?”

“Don’t worry, sir. I have never been accused of backwash yet.”

“Thanks, I’ll wait until I leave.”

“It is ten miles to the exit, sir. I think you will thank me for the water later.”

“Fine. There now I feel better.”

“Ah, here we are at screw acres.”

“Screw acres?”

“Yeah, that’s the name of the section. Don’t tell me you are one of those weirdos who makes a sexual innuendo out of everything.”

“Where are my screw sizes.”

“Sir, I’m going to ask you to stop. You are making me uncomfortable.”

“I just want to get my screw and get out of here.”

“Understood, sir. You. will have to wait to get home for that. Anyway, here is the section for tiny screws.”

“Here is my size. Wait, does this come in a quantity less than 10,000.”

“I’m afraid that is our smallest, sir.”

“Who buys that many screws?”

“You’d be surprised, sir. Now is there anything else I can help you with?”

“I guess you could give me directions to the exit.”

“Don’t you have a map app on your phone?”

“Yes, I do.”

“It would be a lot easier for you to do that. Once you have the directions, I think you can hitchhike your way there.”

“Hitchhike?”

“Yeah, all the carts with loads usually stop for pedestrians. Good luck to you, sir.”

“Wait.”

“Yes, sir?”

“I still don’t have my screw.”

“I would try our on-line store, sir.”

“Online store?”

“Yes, sir. https://saveatriptohell.com.”

“Thanks.”

“Always happy to help. Bye, sir.”

“I wonder if I will wake up now?”

Stream of Consciousness Saturday – Prompt “Tast”

October 5, 2019October 4, 2019 ~ John W. Howell ~ 50 Comments

It is Stream of Consciousness Saturday and this week’s prompt is … Wait, I think I’ll let Linda Hill explain it. Here are her words.

“Your Friday prompt for Stream of Consciousness Saturday is “-tast-.” Find a word that contains “tast” and use it in your post. Enjoy!”

If you would like to have similar fun, go to Linda’s blog and read how easy it is. Here is the link.

The Friday Reminder and Prompt for #SoCS Oct. 5/19

“Why are you laughing?”

“This week’s prompt gave me the giggles.”

“What is it?”
“To use a word with tast in it.”

“Tast? Sounds hard to me.”

“Fantastic.”

“What’s fantastic? That it sounds hard to me?”

“No fantastic has tast in it.”

“Oh. You are so right.”

“Here’s another one. Bumtastic.”

“Meaning?”

“Nice bum.”

“Oh, come on. That’s not a word.”

“Recognized by scrabble.”

“Scrabbletastic.”

“Now you’re getting it.”

“I was just kidding.”

“Unfantastic. I love this one, snarktastic.”

“Good snark, right?”

“Right you are.”

“Cheesetastic.”

“Huh.”

“Good cheese.”

“Okay, I think we are done.”

“What? You started it.”

“Linda Hill started it.”

“True. Promptastic.”

“I feel poptastic.”

“Trip the Miller lightastic?”

“Brotastic.”

Wednesday Story Day – AKA – Hump Day

October 2, 2019October 1, 2019 ~ John W. Howell ~ 45 Comments

“Twiggy. What’s up.”
“It’s only Wednesday. I thought it was Friday.”

It is Wednesday Story Day again, and last week we were there when Larry and Andrew (mostly Andrew) decided to take the offer to go back to Boston to conduct further investigations from there. They went back inside and informed Nobel of their decision. He, of course, praised their wisdom and immediately summoned Rocko and Lance and ordered them to take Larry and Andrew to their car and then to the hotel to check out. Rocko and Lance, we delighted to comply with Nobel’s orders. The car was collected, and Rocco drove it to the hotel. I see that Lance has pulled up in front of Larry and Andrew’s hotel with Rocco right behind. I think we better go there now. The conversation might be interesting.

“Well, gentlemen, here we are. You two go inside, pack your bags, and check out. Rocco will go with you, so you don’t get lost so to speak. I’ll wait here and then drive you to the airport.”

“Thanks, Larry. You know it’s in the middle of the night, and the airport will be closed.”

“Don’t you worry your pretty little head, detective. We have a special airplane just waiting for you.”

“A private plane?”

“You got it, son. Mr. Nobel is sparing no expense to make sure you and your fat assed friend are well taken care of.”

“Excuse me, my dear man.”

“Yeah what?”

“This is a well-honed body of an aristocrat. I object to the plebian term ‘fat assed.”’

“Well too bad for you grandpa. Now get out of the car and go with Rocco.”

“Real nice Lance. Let’s go, Andrew.”

“Don’t slam that door either.”

“Hey, Rocco.”

“Yes, detective.”

“You supposed to watch us, huh?”

“You got the right idea. Don’t get cute either.”

“You don’t have to worry about us. We know how to behave. Hey. Rocco take a look. Two Nevada State Troopers headed our way.”

“Excuse me gentlemen but is one of you detective Dunfee?”

“Yes sergeant, I’m detective Dunfee.”

“Would you please come with us, sir?”

“Uh is there a problem sergeant?”

“ Step over here detective this is for your ears only. There’s no problem, detective. The District Attorney in Reno got a call from the DA in Boston, and we’ve been asked to make certain you are safe.”

“Safe? Is that what was said? We are in danger?”

“Sir I would rather talk to you in a private place. Who are these men?”

“The big dumb looking one is my associate, and the other one is a goon who was about to take us for a ride to the airport.”

“I see. You sir, what’s your name.”

“It’s Rocco, officer.”

“Okay, Rocco. I’m not going to ask for an ID nor do I want to take the time to fill out a bunch of paperwork, but I am going to ask you to find your way back to wherever you came from, Ok?”

“Sure, officer no problem. I’ll just get in the car and be gone.”

“Good move. Now Mr. Dunfee if you and your associate would go to your room. It’s late, and you probably could use some sleep. The officer and I will be outside your room. In the morning we need to go downtown to the DA’s office where you can ask all the questions you need. Is that okay.”

“We are bushed Sergeant, so I think that makes a lot of sense. Thank you.”

“After you, sir. We are right behind you.”

“Talk about white knight, huh, Andrew?”

“Yes, Larry, this seems good. Can we talk about ‘big dumb-looking?”’

“Term of endearment, Andrew. Just a term of endearment.”

“I can think of others if you would like.”

“Hahaha. Okay, sweetheart.”

Top Ten Things Not to Do at the Gym

September 30, 2019September 29, 2019 ~ John W. Howell ~ 65 Comments

This week in history had some pretty serious things going on, and not one was something I could mock without appearing disrespectful. (I guess Babe Ruth’s 60th home run in 1927 could be an exception, but I have already done a ballpark top ten) So, I have begun going to the gym again (after a broken kneecap), so I thought it would be fun to restate some things not to do if you go to a gym.

Top Ten Things Not to Do at the Gym

10 If you go to the gym, do not wear your workboots on the treadmill. If you do, at best, they are clean. At worst, these are the same boots you wore to the barn cleaning. (Well now you’ve done it, Jabari. You’ve caked the ellipsis with old Dobber’s straw and poop. I think this might be the last day of your membership.)

9 If you go to the gym, do not point out to Tiny the WWF champ the “Do Not Drop Barbells” sign. If you do, at best he’ll think you are pointing to the water fountain. At worst, Tiny, who just left his narcissist support group, will wonder why you are so rude as to ask him to follow the rules. ( Tiny has a way to handle what he thinks are nasty folks, Jabbar. He takes them for a helicopter spin and body drop, which only hurts for a little while.)

8 If you go to the gym, do not aks the guy who has three hundred pounds pressed overhead for the time. If you do, at best, he will have a sense of humor. At worst, you will break the lifter’s concentration. (Nice going, Jabir. You and he are now in the basement after the drop of the weights took you both through the floor. I would suggest you get up and get out quickly before he comes to.)

7 If you go to the gym, do not forget to wipe off any of the equipment that you sweated up. If you do, at best someone else will do it. At worst, a committee will form to convince you to begin. (Don’t look now, Jaccob but the committee is armed with spray disinfectant, and I think you may be the machine they intend to wipe down.)

6 If you go to the gym, do not carry on a cellphone conversation while working out. If you do, at best, the place will be empty. At worst, those around you want you to die. ( As a second choice, Jacinto you will be able to find your phone in the ten-foot end of the pool.)

5 If you go to the gym, do not finish that hero sandwich while riding the stationary bike. If you do, at best you only had two bites left. At worst, once you really got going the crumbs, lettuce and onion bits are blown everywhere. ( What a sight, Jacky. You look like a confetti machine on New Year’s Eve. Now go get a vacuum machine and clean this stuff up.)

4 If you go to the gym, do not think that wife-beater t-shirt that says “People Suck,” is appropriate exercise wear. If you do, at best, you’ll be totally ignored. At worse, the biggest guy in the gym walks over and says, “I’m a people.” (Well now, Jacobson you have a choice. Fight or flee. I would suggest the latter thank you.)

3 If you go to the gym, do not moan out loud with each lift of the weights. If you do, at best everyone will be listening to music. At worst, everyone will be making faces behind your back. (I hope you are happy, Jacoby. There is an entire mime show going on behind you to the delight of the performers.)

2 If you go to the gym, do not keep wearing the same unwashed exercise clothes. If you do, at best no one is near you. At worst, people keep wondering aloud who is hiding the Limburger cheese. (Normally you wouldn’t care, Jacquin but the pack of dogs following you are becoming a pain.)

1 If you go to the gym, do not work the New York Times crossword puzzle while on the treadmill. If you do, at best, your no hands workout is an accomplishment. At worst, your attempt at no hands treadmill work is a disaster. ( Don’t worry, Jacquelin no one laughed when you went teacart over teacups at the end of the treadmill. Well, almost no one. Okay everyone but the guy eating the hero laughed.)

Views of the Neighborhood – Heritage Wrap Up

September 29, 2019September 28, 2019 ~ John W. Howell ~ 47 Comments

Last week we took a long look at the Leibolt cabin. I checked some previous posts and saw there were some heritage points that I have not shown. So this week completes the heritage collection of Lakeway. I hope you enjoy

The first store in Lakeway called the Country Store built in 1969.

The plaque on the store.

This building was built in 1996 on the site of The Lakeway Land Company headquarters which burned down in 1979.

The marker.

The flagpole on the Live Oak Country Club grounds was the first community flag pole and was the focal point for the beginning of the Fourth of July parade. It was installed in 1977.

The flagpole marker.

The Lakeway Land office where lots were sold for $4000.

The first house built in Lakeway.

Not part of the heritage trail but thought this wind mobile was colorful.

The Blocker Home built in 1964 by one of the founding families of Lakeway.

The Blocker Home marker.

The “Little Grass Shack” built in 1970 and was Lakeway’s largest home at that time.

The Little Grass Shack marker.

The site of the first pay telephone (and first telephone in Lakeway) installed in 1962.

The telephone marker.

I hope you enjoyed the little outing today.

Stream of Consciousness Saturday – Prompt “Ent, Ten, Net”

September 28, 2019September 27, 2019 ~ John W. Howell ~ 48 Comments

It is Stream of Consciousness Saturday time again and this week’s prompt has been conjured up by Dan Antion. Rather than try to paraphrase the prompt here are Dan’s words.

“Your Friday prompt for Stream of Consciousness Saturday is “ent” “ten” “net.” Use one, use two, or use all three (bonus points for using two, double-bonus points for using all three). As Linda would say, use ’em any way you’d like. Enjoy!”

If you would like to run yourself ragged in the quest for enjoyment, visit Linda Hill’s blog to read how. Here is the link.

The Friday Reminder and Prompt for #SoCS Sept. 28/19

“What is that pin on your jacket?”

“It’s my personality.”

“You have no personality but for the sake of answering the question, what does ENTJ mean?”

“It’s a score from a test.”

“Okay, now I know a lot more than I did. What test?”

“Meyers-Briggs personality test. Each letter stands for a personality trait.”

“Can you take ten seconds and net it out for me?”

“Sure. ENTJs are natural and decisive leaders. They are analytical, efficient, and hardworking. They live in a world of ideas and have a great ability to debate.”

“Whaaaat???? This does not sound like you at all. Was this one of those things you do on Twitter or the internet?”

“No, it’s more scientific than that. There are a series of questions you answer to the best of your ability.”

“You obviously cheated off the person next to you.”

“Very funny. I’ve taken the test ten times, and it always comes up the same.”

“Is the person next to you the same each time?”

“Okay, you don’t have to recognize my type, but I know I’m a natural leader.”

“What have you led lately?”

“That is beside the point. I know I have the ability now all I need is the opportunity.”

“Okay, I have a leadership opportunity for you.”

“I’m ready.”

“Decide where we go for lunch.”

“Where do you want to go?”

“See my point exactly.”

“Yeah? Well, when we get there, I’ll buy.”

“Now, there is a leader. How much do you have on you?”

“Ten bucks.”

“Net after-tax, ten should be enough.”

“While there, I’ll explain some of my entrepreneur ideas.”

“The tension is killing me. Let’s go and start some networking and maybe enter the Shark Tank competition.”

“You aren’t making much sense.”

“Yeah, just trying to squeeze in more prompt words.”

“Let’s get to lunch before you have a nettlesome ten stage entropic episode.”

“Boom.”

Thursday – A Little Personal – Lucy and Twiggy

September 26, 2019September 25, 2019 ~ John W. Howell ~ 53 Comments

“Hey Lucy. Look at this new material.”

“Yeah. Little one. The others just couldn’t stand up to us.”

“I don’t know what that means. Look a deer.”

“It means that you and I are pretty hard on couches. You know laying around on them and all.”

“What’s that black thing on the floor?”

“It’s a mid century modern accent rug.”

“Why are you standing like a bronze horse in the park? Look another deer.”

“I’m keeping an eye out for mom. Not sure she’s going to appreaciate you on the couch.”

“I think she is fine with it.”

Author Andrew Joyce’s Mahoney On Sale for $0.99

September 26, 2019September 25, 2019 ~ John W. Howell ~ 30 Comments

Today I’m hosting a favorite author, Andrew Joyce to let you know his outstanding book, Mahoney is on sale today through September 30th for $0.99. That is 1/4 the cost of a Starbucks and way more rewarding.

You can buy it HERE

In this compelling, richly researched novel, author Andrew Joyce tells a riveting story of adventure, endurance, and hope as the Mahoney clan fights to gain a foothold in America.

In the second year of a Gorta Mhór—the Great Famine—nineteen-year-old Devin Mahoney lies on the dirt floor of his small, dark cabin. He has not eaten in five days. His only hope of survival is to get to America, the land of milk and honey. After surviving disease and storms at sea that decimate crew and passengers alike, Devin’s ship limps into New York Harbor three days before Christmas, 1849. Thus starts an epic journey that will take him and his descendants through one hundred and fourteen years of American history, including the Civil War, the Wild West, and the Great Depression.

Here is my review of the book which I consider a must-read.

Mahoney by Andrew Joyce

Andrew Joyce has crafted a marvelous story that can best be described as exceptionally well written historical fiction. He has taken three generations of the Mahoney family from the dirt floor of their humble cabin in county Cork Ireland to grand adventures in the United States. Make no mistake, it is a long a perilous journey but filled with exceptional characterizations. The story takes in the time frame from the potato famine in Ireland to the Great Depression.

Mr. Joyce takes in a broad sweep of historical venue in his storytelling. A less talented author would get lost in the details or fail to keep the reader on the edge of their seat. Not so with this story. There are historical backdrops which serve to highlight the scenes developed with great care. The history does not overshadow the tale but adds a sense of relevance to what is being told. It is almost like the author intended us to tag along as he laid out what could only be described as world-building at the highest level.

The main characters have an authenticity not usually found in a novel that deals with generations of the family. It would be all too easy to plunk down some stereotypical generational shifts. Here is where Mr. Joyce excels. The three generations live extraordinary lives filled with adventure and a few twists that keep the story interesting. In the end, it is plain that the story of the family Mahoney is epic. There is enough adventure, excitement, and plot surprises to entertain any one reading this book.

If you would like a book that is filled with intriguing characters, fast-moving plot, and writing that sometimes takes your breath away, this one is for you.

Tuesday – Anything Possible – Kreative Kue by Keith Channing

September 24, 2019September 23, 2019 ~ John W. Howell ~ 44 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.